May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Avalanche before game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate a goal scored against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) celebrates his goal scored against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche mascot Bernie celebrates defeating the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild fan cheers against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 05: Martin Necas #88 celebrates a first period goal with Devon Toews #7 of the Colorado Avalanche during a game against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 05: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates a goal with teammates during the first period against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 05: Nicolas Roy #10 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates a second period goal with teammates against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 05: Danila Yurov #22 of the Minnesota Wild and Ross Colton #20 of the Colorado Avalanche collide during the second period in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 05: Brock Nelson #11 and Valeri Nichushkin #13 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate as time expires during the third period against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Martin Necas (88) celebrates after scoring a goal with defenseman Devon Toews (7) against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; The Colorado Avalanche celebrate after a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) fight during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defender Sam Malinski (70) and goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild following game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak (27), defenseman Brent Burns (84) and center Brock Nelson (11) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; The Grand Casino Arena before game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) celebrates after defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) (not pictured) scores against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) enters the game against the Minnesota Wild in the second period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; The team celebrates a goal by Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (7) off a shot by right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) in the second period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nicolas Roy (10) collides with Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) and Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) exchange words in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) reacts to an empty net goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
ST PAUL, MINNESOTA – MAY 11: Ross Colton #20 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with Brock Nelson #11 and Nicolas Roy #10 after scoring a goal against Jesper Wallstedt #30 of the Minnesota Wild during the third period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena on May 11, 2026 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) lies on the ice after during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) defends his net against the Minnesota Wildduring the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly (17) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) reaches for the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche players compete for the puck as Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) defends his net during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 13: Martin Necas #88 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates the game winning goal scored by Brett Kulak (not pictured) #27 against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 13: Brett Kulak #27 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with Josh Manson #42 after scoring the game winning goal against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild in overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 13: Martin Necas #88 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates the game winning goal scored by Brett Kulak #27 against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 13: Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the Minnesota Wild hugs Jesper Wallstedt #30 after giving up the game winning t Brett Kulak #27 of the Colorado Avalanche during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) walks out before game five against the Minnesota Wild in the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly (17) celebrates his goal with defenseman Brent Burns (84) in the second period against the Minnesota Wild in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak (27) controls the puck ahead of Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) in the third period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal with center Martin Necas (88) and center Brock Nelson (11) and ]center Nazem Kadri (91) and defenseman Brent Burns (84) in the third period against the Minnesota Wild in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) battle for the puck in the third period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images1 / 42
Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Avalanche before game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Avalanche before game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate a goal scored against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) celebrates his goal scored against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche mascot Bernie celebrates defeating the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild fan cheers against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 05: Martin Necas #88 celebrates a first period goal with Devon Toews #7 of the Colorado Avalanche during a game against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 05: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates a goal with teammates during the first period against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 05: Nicolas Roy #10 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates a second period goal with teammates against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 05: Danila Yurov #22 of the Minnesota Wild and Ross Colton #20 of the Colorado Avalanche collide during the second period in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 05: Brock Nelson #11 and Valeri Nichushkin #13 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate as time expires during the third period against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Martin Necas (88) celebrates after scoring a goal with defenseman Devon Toews (7) against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; The Colorado Avalanche celebrate after a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) fight during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defender Sam Malinski (70) and goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild following game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak (27), defenseman Brent Burns (84) and center Brock Nelson (11) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; The Grand Casino Arena before game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) celebrates after defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) (not pictured) scores against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) enters the game against the Minnesota Wild in the second period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; The team celebrates a goal by Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (7) off a shot by right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) in the second period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nicolas Roy (10) collides with Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) and Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) exchange words in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) reacts to an empty net goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
ST PAUL, MINNESOTA – MAY 11: Ross Colton #20 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with Brock Nelson #11 and Nicolas Roy #10 after scoring a goal against Jesper Wallstedt #30 of the Minnesota Wild during the third period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena on May 11, 2026 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) lies on the ice after during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) defends his net against the Minnesota Wildduring the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly (17) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) reaches for the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche players compete for the puck as Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) defends his net during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 13: Martin Necas #88 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates the game winning goal scored by Brett Kulak (not pictured) #27 against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 13: Brett Kulak #27 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with Josh Manson #42 after scoring the game winning goal against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild in overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 13: Martin Necas #88 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates the game winning goal scored by Brett Kulak #27 against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 13: Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the Minnesota Wild hugs Jesper Wallstedt #30 after giving up the game winning t Brett Kulak #27 of the Colorado Avalanche during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) walks out before game five against the Minnesota Wild in the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly (17) celebrates his goal with defenseman Brent Burns (84) in the second period against the Minnesota Wild in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak (27) controls the puck ahead of Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) in the third period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal with center Martin Necas (88) and center Brock Nelson (11) and ]center Nazem Kadri (91) and defenseman Brent Burns (84) in the third period against the Minnesota Wild in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Best photos from Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) battle for the puck in the third period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
A stunning comeback and series over.
The Colorado Avalanche overcame a 3-0 first-period deficit to beat the Minnesota Wild 4-3 in overtime on May 13.
The win sends the Avs into the Western Conference Final for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.
Brett Kulak, who was a midseason trade acquisition for Colorado, scored the game-winning goal early in overtime.
The Avalanche won the second-round series 4-1.
It was an incredible comeback for the Avs, who allowed the first Wild goal just 34 seconds into the game. By 16 minutes into the game it was 3-0 Minnesota.
Parker Kelly tipped in a Brent Burns shot to make it 3-1 in the second period. The Wild seemed close to closing the game out and forcing a Game 6 as it was still 3-1 with less than 5 minutes to go.
Then Jack Drury tipped in a Devon Toews shot to make it 3-2.
Then it was time for the NHL's leading goal scorer to take over. Nathan MacKinnon fired home a shot at a tight angle with 1:23 to go in regulation, forcing overtime.
Both teams had good chances early in overtime before Kulak's one-timer just 3:52 into the overtime ended the series.
Avalanche vs Wild NHL playoff series scores
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Game 1: Avalanche 9, Wild 6
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Game 2: Avalanche 5, Wild 2
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Game 3: Wild 5, Avalanche 1
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Game 4: Avalanche 5, Wild 2
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Game 5: Avalanche 4, Wild 3 (OT)
Sports reporter Kevin Lytle can be found on social media on X, Instagram and Threads @Kevin_Lytle and on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Avalanche beat Wild in OT to make Western Conference Final
