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Avalanche’s closeout bid jolted as Blackwood pulled after 3 first-period goals

Avalanche’s closeout bid jolted as Blackwood pulled after 3 first-period goals | iNFOnews.ca
Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood allows a goal by Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Johansson in the first period of Game 5 of an NHL Stanley Cup hockey second-round playoff series, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

DENVER (AP) — Mackenzie Blackwood made his second straight start for the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night but was pulled after allowing three goals in the first period.

Scott Wedgewood, who won six of his seven starts in the Stanley Cup playoffs, replaced Blackwood to start the second period with the Avalanche trailing 3-0.

Blackwood, who won Game 4 in St. Paul, Minnesota, surrendered a goal to Marcus Johansson just 34 seconds into Game 5, then allowed a pair of goals to Nick Foligno.

The Avalanche were hoping to close out a playoff series at home for the first time in more than 18 years. If they lose Game 5, they’ll return to Minnesota for Game 6 on Friday night.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Avalanche’s closeout bid jolted as Blackwood pulled after 3 first-period goals | iNFOnews.ca
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns, top front, pins Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman as Colorado goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood looks on in the first period of Game 5 of an NHL Stanley Cup hockey second-round playoff series, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Avalanche’s closeout bid jolted as Blackwood pulled after 3 first-period goals | iNFOnews.ca
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood deflects a shot in the third period of Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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The Associated Press

Arnie Stapleton

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

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