Jared Bednar Says Lehkonen, Malinski Could Play in Game 5

jared bednar said Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski could possibly play in Game 5 after both missed Monday night’s 5-2 win over Minnesota. Colorado carries a three games to one lead into the next game, and the two lineup changes could shape how the Avalanche handle a chance to finish the series.

Bednar’s Game 5 update

Bednar delivered the update after morning skate at Ball Arena on Wednesday. He used the word “possibly” when asked about Lehkonen and Malinski, giving Colorado a chance to add two regulars back after they were scratched about 40 minutes before puck drop in Game 4.

Both players had been listed with upper-body injuries. They were at morning skate in St. Paul before Game 4, then were ruled out before the Avalanche beat the Wild 5-2. Joel Kiviranta and Jack Ahcan stepped into the lineup in their place.

Lehkonen and Malinski impact

Lehkonen’s playoff line still stands out. He has six points in seven playoff games, with three goals and three assists, and that total was tied for fifth on the team. Malinski has chipped in one goal and two assists in the playoffs.

Josh Manson returned from an injury for Game 4, so Colorado already got one player back while adjusting to the absence of Lehkonen and Malinski. That left Bednar weighing how much more of the lineup can be restored if both are ready for Game 5.

Colorado’s 3-1 lead

The Avalanche do not need a long recovery period to change the series math. They lead the Wild three games to one in the second round, and Game 4’s 5-2 result pushed them within one win of advancing.

For Colorado, the practical issue is not the score line from Monday night. It is whether Bednar can dress Lehkonen and Malinski after both were unavailable in Game 4 and still keep the same edge that produced the three games to one lead.