The Vegas Golden Knights will get a different look in net for Tuesday's Game 4 against the Colorado Avalanche. No, Carter Hart isn't going anywhere, you see. After all, how in the world are you going to pull someone with a GAA of 2.30 and a save percentage of .923? You're not putting in Adin Hill, especially if he gets hurt again.
Instead, it involves the Avalanche, who will start MacKenzie Blackwood in net. Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed the news ahead of Tuesday's do-or-die Game 4 against the Golden Knights.
Avs coach Jared Bednar said MacKinnon will play tonight. Blackwood to start. Nichuskin game time decision
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) May 26, 2026
Of course, there are other important factors to consider. That includes Nathan MacKinnon playing in Game 4 and Valeri Nichuskin being a game-time decision. You need your best players on the ice, especially when you could be eliminated on Tuesday.
But let's focus on Blackwood for a second. The goaltender shift also goes into that do-or-die situation. Sometimes, you need to shake things up a bit and try something a little different. That could mean putting someone else in net and trying for a miracle.
Why the goaltender switch matters for the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights
This regular season, Blackwood had a successful campaign with the Avalanche. He posted a GAA of 2.51 (eighth in the NHL), a save percentage of .904, and three shutouts. He formed a solid tandem with Scott Wedgewood, giving Colorado some... stiff goaltending.
Blackwood plays a hybrid style that incorporates his big 6'4" frame with athleticism. He's proficient at tackling high-danger chances and utilizes his lateral movements to perfection. Considering that the Golden Knights are big on said high-danger chances (fourth in the NHL this regular season with 718), this could become a problem.
If the Golden Knights want to finish the job against Colorado, that means winning the zone battle throughout the night. Vegas has done a terrific job of suffocating the neutral zone throughout the Western Conference Final. That should be no different in Game 4 against Colorado, where the Avalanche have their backs against the wall.
Obviously, it would help to do this early and often. But it would also help the Golden Knights if they capitalized on their special teams opportunities. The power play has turned it around, scoring seven goals in the last eight games. Keeping the puck in the zone and smooth passing will be key to making the switch obsolete.
The Golden Knights have the perfect chance to end the Avalanche and get the brooms out. Colorado is playing desperately, and they're not 100%. What better way to sweep the President's Trophy winners than by laying into their Game 4 starter?
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