The Colorado Avalanche took control of their second-round NHL playoff series Monday night, beating the Minnesota Wild in Game 4 to build a 3-1 series lead, according to ESPN.
The win came after Colorado made significant adjustments, changing both their line combinations and their goaltender heading into the game. The moves paid off. The Avalanche, one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, had gone through what ESPN described as a midseries lull before snapping back with Monday's performance.
The game was not without incident. Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson, returning from a five-game absence, drew a double minor penalty midway through the first period after hitting Wild center Michael McCarron with the butt end of his stick during a scrum.
McCarron did not hold back after the game. "Dirty player," he called Manson, according to ESPN. The Wild center's reaction reflected the frustration of a team now facing elimination pressure with the series shifting back to Minnesota.
Manson had missed five games before returning to the lineup Monday. His presence was clearly felt, both in his physical play and in the controversy his actions generated.
The Avalanche now lead three games to one and need just one more win to advance. Minnesota faces must-win hockey with their season potentially one loss away from ending.
