ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have switched goalies for Game 3 of their playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche, giving Darcy Kuemper the start instead of Ilya Bryzgalov.
Coach Mike Yeo confirmed the change after the pre-game morning skate on Monday. Yeo pulled Bryzgalov for Kuemper midway through the second period on Saturday when the Wild fell behind 3-1. The Avalanche won the first two games of the series, and Bryzgalov gave up eight goals on 45 shots.
Programming Note: Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers will air on Sportsnet 360 Tuesday night beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
That wasn’t the only move Yeo made, though. Kyle Brodziak was taken out of the lineup. Justin Fontaine was added to the third line to play with centre Erik Haula and Matt Cooke. Dany Heatley also replaced Stephane Veilleux, but Yeo didn’t specify which line Heatley would be on.
Fontaine and Heatley were scratched for the first two games at Colorado. Brodziak has never been a healthy scratch before in his six seasons with Minnesota. He missed the last regular season game due to an undisclosed injury and two games in the 2010-11 season because of an illness.
Brodziak scored in Game 1 but also had a key turnover that led to an Avalanche goal. Yeo said the deficit in the series prompted the decision.
“It’s not just about Brodzy. It’s also about other guys and their performance,” Yeo said.
Heatley had 12 goals and 16 assists in 76 games this season while his playing time diminished, but Yeo raved about his professionalism.
“He’s had a great attitude for his teammates,” the coach said.
