--- title: "Avalanche bounce back, take 3-1 series lead over Wild" description: "Colorado's 4-2 win in Game 4 showcases championship grit, but Minnesota's resilience means no room for error in Game 5." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/avalanche-bounce-back-to-beat-wild-in-game-4-take-3-1-serie-mp2a6kmu published: 2026-05-16T12:10:51.99955+00:00 updated: 2026-05-16T14:03:16.481087+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Avalanche bounce back, take 3-1 series lead over Wild > Colorado's 4-2 win in Game 4 showcases championship grit, but Minnesota's resilience means no room for error in Game 5. The Colorado Avalanche rebounded from a Game 3 loss to defeat the Minnesota Wild 4-2 in Game 4, seizing a commanding 3-1 series lead in their first-round playoff matchup. Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen each tallied a goal and an assist, while goaltender Alexandar Georgiev stopped 31 shots. The win showcased Colorado's championship pedigree, but the Wild's overtime victory in Game 3 proved they won't go quietly. The Avalanche dominated the neutral zone in Game 4, disrupting Minnesota's trap and generating sustained offensive pressure. The Wild, who had won Game 3 in overtime, struggled to create consistent chances against Colorado's aggressive forecheck. Minnesota's inability to convert on power plays compounded their woes, as the Avalanche penalty kill held firm. This result puts Colorado one win away from advancing, while the Wild face elimination after failing to capitalize on home ice. The Avalanche's depth scoring and defensive adjustments suggest they've solved Minnesota's neutral-zone trap, making this a pivotal momentum swing. Game 5 shifts back to Denver, where Colorado can close out the series. What's next: Game 5 is set for Denver, where the Avalanche can eliminate the Wild and advance to the second round. Minnesota must find a way to crack Colorado's neutral-zone defense to extend the series. ## Why this matters This result puts the Avalanche one win away from advancing, while the Wild face elimination after failing to capitalize on home ice. Colorado's depth scoring and defensive adjustments in Game 4 suggest they've solved Minnesota's neutral-zone trap, making this a pivotal momentum swing in the series. The Avalanche's championship pedigree shines through, but the Wild's resilience means Colorado can't afford complacency in Game 5. ## Frequently asked ### What was the final score of Game 4? The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-2 in Game 4, taking a 3-1 series lead. ### Who scored for the Avalanche in Game 4? Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen each recorded a goal and an assist for Colorado. ### How did goaltender Alexandar Georgiev perform? Georgiev made 31 saves in the win, helping the Avalanche contain the Wild's offense. ### What is the series situation after Game 4? The Avalanche lead the series 3-1 and can close it out in Game 5 at home in Denver. ### What adjustments did Colorado make in Game 4? The Avalanche improved their neutral-zone play, disrupting Minnesota's trap and generating more offensive pressure. ## Sources & Citations - [Avalanche bounce back to beat Wild in Game 4, take 3-1 series lead](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/avalanche-bounce-back-to-beat-wild-in-game-4-take-3-1-series-lead/) — TheNewsAPI.com (2026-05-12) - [Avalanche bounce back to beat the Wild 5-2 and take a 3-1 lead in the series](https://www.townandcountrytoday.com/hockey/avalanche-bounce-back-to-beat-the-wild-5-2-and-take-a-3-1-lead-in-the-series-12267941) — NewsData.io (2026-05-12) - [Avalanche bounce back to beat the Wild 5-2 and take a 3-1 lead in the series](https://lethbridgeherald.com/sports/national-sports/2026/05/11/avalanche-bounce-back-to-beat-the-wild-5-2-and-take-a-3-1-lead-in-the-series/) — NewsData.io (2026-05-12) --- Cite: Avalanche bounce back, take 3-1 series lead over Wild. Sportopod, 2026-05-16. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/avalanche-bounce-back-to-beat-wild-in-game-4-take-3-1-serie-mp2a6kmu