Welcome to the NHL Predictions for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Colorado Avalanche against the Minnesota Wild in Game 4 of Western Conference second-round playoff action. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers will continue this series throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, up to the final game.
NHL Predictions with Colorado Avalanche at Minnesota Wild
Playoff Series: Colorado leads 2-1
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | 5:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
How to Watch: Canada: Sportsnet+, SN, CBC, TVAS, TVAS+
United States: ESPN
Location: Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota
Credit Image: © Larry MacDougal via ZUMA Wire
The Colorado Avalanche faced their first loss of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs in Game 3, and are looking for a bounce-back game here tonight. For the Minnesota Wild, it is virtually another must-win game for them as they hope to even up the series. The Wild took Game 3, 5-1, never looking back after two quick strikes late in the first period. They may be getting some help in their lineup with two players close to returning.
The Avalanche Story
Colorado faced their first taste of adversity in these playoffs, but against a Wild team that has massive amounts of talent, some pushback was to be expected. Nathan MacKinnon continues to be the top performer of the series, as he scored the only goal in a 5-1 defeat on Saturday. Is there pressure on the Avs to bounce back? Absolutely. Under head coach Jared Bednar, Colorado has never won a series after it had been tied at two-games apiece. Given some past failures in the second round of the playoffs, it is important that Colorado puts the hammer down in this series before it gets away from them.
“There was a level they hit that we didn’t get to,” Bednar told the media after Game 3. The Avalanche know that the Wild will give them everything they got, so they have to be ready for the onslaught. They may have Josh Manson and Joel Kiviranta available for tonight’s game, but lineup decisions will likely be revealed right before puck drop.
The Wild Story
There should be some belief in the locker room, now that they have a win in this series. Kirill Kaprizov recorded three points in Game 3 and has the second-most points in the playoffs with 14, while Quinn Hughes is third in the league for playoff points with 13. No doubt, they have led the offensive push for the Wild throughout these playoffs.
For goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, a 35-save performance in Game 3 was just what the doctor ordered. “It was fun just to play hockey again,” Wallstedt said postgame after Game 3. “It felt like we, as a team, played really good and got the result we wanted.”
Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin could potentially return as soon as tonight, which would bolster the team’s penalty killing a lot. With their penalty kill rate at only 60%, it would still be in the team’s interest to stay disciplined and out of the sin bin.
Starting Goalies
Below are the projected starters for tonight’s game. Please check social media for the most updated information before locking in your daily fantasy lineups.
For Colorado, Scott Wedgewood will likely start, despite getting pulled after allowing three goals in twelve shots. He has a 6-1 record, a 2.45 goals-against average, and a .911 save percentage in the playoffs. Mackenzie Blackwood will be standing by, should Bednar decide to go with him. There is a tough decision to make here.
For Minnesota, we expect that Jesper Wallstedt will start, looking to follow up on his 35-save performance in Game 3. He has a 5-3 record, a 2.61 goals-against average, and a .913 save percentage in the postseason.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets
Both teams will play some desperate hockey tonight, with a lot at stake. A lot could hinge on whether or not the injured players on both sides play tonight. Game 4 is always the swing game, and we predict the Wild will tie up this series.
Prediction: Wild win 4-3.
Best Bets
To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. On the Avalanche side, we will pick Martin Necas to chip in with a goal. For the Wild, Kirill Kaprizov is always a good bet for a goal.
Main Photo Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
