The Colorado Avalanche are facing a significant depth test in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, as forwards Artturi Lehkonen and defenseman Sam Malinski have been ruled out due to upper-body injuries. The team confirmed the news just before puck drop on Monday, dealing a blow to a lineup that had relied heavily on both players throughout the postseason.

Lehkonen, who has been a dynamic force with three goals, three assists, and an impressive +9 rating in seven playoff games, will miss his first game of the postseason. Malinski, who contributed a goal and two assists in the same span, will also be sidelined. Their absence marks a rare interruption in Colorado's otherwise consistent lineup.

However, the Avalanche are getting reinforcements. Defenseman Josh Manson and forward Joel Kiviranta are expected to return, slotting directly into the lineup to fill the gaps. In goal, Mackenzie Blackwood will make his first playoff start of the season, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup.

The lineup shuffle extends beyond the injured players. Captain Gabe Landeskog has been elevated back to the top line, where he finished Game 3. Brock Nelson now lines up with the wingers previously alongside Nazem Kadri, while Kadri himself centers a new line featuring Valeri Nichushkin and Logan O'Connor. On defense, Nick Blankenburg appears to be sitting out in favor of Jack Ahcan, based on pre-game warm-up formations.

Colorado currently leads the series 2-1 after a dominant start at home, but they were outplayed in a 5-1 loss in Game 3. This game represents a crucial opportunity for the Avalanche to regain momentum—and for their depth players to step up under the bright lights of playoff hockey.