The Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild are set to drop the puck on their second-round playoff series tonight, but both teams are already dealing with significant lineup challenges. While the Avalanche have made a tough call on a key defenseman, it's the Wild who appear to be facing the heavier early blow.
Colorado will be without defenseman Josh Manson for Game 1 after head coach Jared Bednar ruled him out following the morning skate. Manson, who has been dealing with an upper-body injury, had been trending toward a return after skating for three consecutive days and even participating fully in practice. He also had an extended conversation with Bednar afterward, but ultimately was not cleared to play.
"No, he's not going to go tonight," Bednar told The Athletic's Peter Baugh.
In Manson's absence, Nick Blankenburg will remain in the lineup, stepping into the same role he filled during Game 4 of the first-round series against the Kings. Manson's loss removes a key physical and defensive presence from Colorado's blue line as the series begins.
"He's played good the time he's been with us. We got him for a reason. I like the way he moves; I like the way he moves the puck, he plays with a little bite," Bednar said of Blankenburg. "It's going to be a challenge for him tonight. The thing we'll miss with Manson is the size and strength, the physicality against their bottom-six, which is obviously huge. That's a challenge. He'll have to defend smartly and that's using your legs, using your stick. He's still got that grit and physical edge to his game, but he's got to be careful against bigger bodies tonight."
For hockey fans, this is the kind of playoff drama that makes the postseason unforgettable. Every game, every shift, and every hit matters more than ever. And while the Avalanche are dealing with a notable absence, Minnesota's concerns run even deeper.
The Wild will be without center Joel Eriksson Ek for at least the first two games of the series. The top-line center did not travel with the team to Colorado after sustaining a lower-body injury in the third period of Game 6 against Dallas. That's a massive hole in the middle of Minnesota's lineup, and it puts added pressure on their remaining forwards to step up.
As both teams adjust their game plans, one thing is clear: this series is shaping up to be a battle of depth and resilience. For the Avalanche, Blankenburg will have the opportunity to prove he belongs on the big stage. For the Wild, they'll need to find a way to generate offense without one of their most important players.
Game 1 is set for tonight in Denver, and the energy will be electric. Whether you're cheering from the stands or watching from home, this is the kind of hockey that keeps us all on the edge of our seats.