One of the things that Josh Manson brings to the Colorado Avalanche is his physicality. The team has been missing that from their defenseman as he has only played in three games this postseason.
However, it appears that Manson could be active for Monday night’s game, Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild.
Manson had 174 hits during the regular season, which ranked seventh in the league and first among every Avalanche defender. Overall, only Parker Kelly had more hits on the team.
The Wild had plenty of speed in Game 3 against the Avalanche, a game in which they took over commandingly, winning 5-1. It felt far too easy for Minnesota, especially given Games 1 and 2, in which the Avalanche pretty much dominated the whole time.
Having Manson back in the lineup should help ease pressure from the team’s forwards in trying to fight for the puck along the boards. They’ve got to let the guys who are way more suited do it so they can focus on their strengths heading into the final couple of matchups vs Minnesota.
The Avalanche will need all the help they can get in Game 4. Hopefully, the goaltending debacle that took place the other night was a fluke and Mackenzie Blackwood can take care between the pipes Monday night, as he is expected to be the starter for Game 4. Scott Wedgewood was pulled in Game 3 but sometimes that is what needs to happen for a guy to be reset for future games.
Sometimes clearing their head is all they have to do and that will happen in time.
Monday night’s game could tell a lot to the Avalanche and Avs Faithful. Are they up to the test in an almost must-win? Manson’s presence could prove to be one of the biggest keys to the Avs taking home another win and making a comeback tougher for the Wild.
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