The biggest question for the Colorado Avalanche heading into Game 3 against the Wild on May 9 was the status of injured defenseman Josh Manson. Manson was in Minnesota with the team, and he could return as early as Game 3.
The Avalanche were preparing for the matchup on the road in Minnesota with seven defensemen on the trip, leaving their blue line short on certainty as the series moved forward. The team expected to know more after seeing whether Manson skated at morning skate and after coach Jared Bednar spoke afterward.
That uncertainty carried real weight because the Wild were under pressure to avoid falling behind 3-0 in the series. One more loss would put Minnesota in a difficult spot, while Colorado had a chance to tighten its grip with Manson possibly available again if he was ready to go.
For Colorado, the timing of Manson’s recovery mattered because the Avalanche were trying to keep pace in a series where every defensive shift could shape the result. Nathan MacKinnon was also up for the Hart Trophy for the fifth time in his career, adding another storyline to a night already crowded with playoff stakes.
