Stanley Cup Playoffs 2014: Game Five – Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche

Apr 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) deflects away a shot on net by Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu (9) in the second period during game two of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

After taking a 2-0 series lead, the Colorado Avalanche have found themselves back at square one with two consecutive losses to the Minnesota Wild, evening the series up at 2-2. One thing the Avalanche look to take advantage of is home-ice, which they hope can do the trick.

Colorado was unable to get anything going in game three due to the trap defense that Minnesota employed. The Wild would end up out shooting the Avalanche, 32-12.; which is unacceptable in playoff hockey. Semyon Varlamov was dominant yet again as he received a nomination for the Vezina Trophy award. Varly would end up stopping 3o-of-32 shots, for a save percentage of .938%. His counterpart Darcy Kuemper barely broke a sweat, recording 11-of-12 saves. Colorado’s forecheck must improve in game five at home as well as getting the puck deep into the Wild’s zone.

What: Stanley Cup Playoffs: First-round, Game 5: Wild vs. Avalanche
When: Saturday, April 26th
Where: Pepsi Center
Time: 9:30 PM ET, 7:30 PM MT
TV: NBC Sports

Avalanche centerman Matt Duchene was a participant at Colorado’s morning skate but he has been ruled out for game five. Colorado’s still holding out hope he can return in game seven if that does occur. Here’s what rookie head coach Patrick Roy had to say about the issue:

"“Is he going to play in this series? We’re not sure yet,” Roy said. “We’ll see.”‘"

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is possibly coming off one of his worst performances in an Avalanche uniform. Here is what he had to say about the last game:

"“We’re certainly not executing the way we should be and certainly makes them look a lot better,” Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog said. “We’re still not testing this goalie enough.”"

Projected Avalanche Lines:

Line 1: Gabriel Landeskog – Paul Stastny – Nathan MacKinnon
Line 2: Jamie McGinn – Ryan O’Reilly – P.A. Parenteau
Line 3: Cody McLeod – Marc-Andre Cliche – Maxime Talbot
Line 4: Patrick Bordeleau – Joey Hishon – Brad Malone

Defensive Pairs:

Pair 1: Jan Hejda – Erik Johnson
Pair 2: Ryan Wilson – Nate Guenin
Pair 3: Nick Holden – Andre Benoit

Starting Goaltender:

Semyon Varlamov