NHL Playoffs: Colorado vs. Minnesota in Second Round of the Stanley Cup
On May 5, the second game of the NHL playoff series between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild will take place. The Avalanche take the lead after a confident win in the previous meeting.
Colorado vs. Minnesota: After a goal-scoring frenzy, the second act of drama in Denver
Main: What you need to know
The second game of the second-round Stanley Cup series between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild will be held on the night of May 5-6, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 3:00 AM Moscow time. The Avalanche opened the series with a spectacular 9-6 victory and aim to strengthen their lead before heading to St. Paul, while the Wild desperately need to take at least one win from Colorado.
This matchup is a classic duel between offensive power and coaching strategy. The first game was the highest-scoring in the NHL playoffs since 1986 and set a 21st-century record: 14 different players scored goals. The second game promises to be no less spectacular, as both teams have yet to fully resolve their defensive issues.
Details and facts
The teams' paths to this meeting are strikingly different. Colorado swept the Los Angeles Kings 4-0 in the first round, demonstrating a championship mentality. Jared Bednar's team won the Presidents' Trophy with 121 points in the regular season and is considered the main favorite in the Western Conference. Minnesota defeated the Dallas Stars in six games (4-2), but that series was far more grueling.
The first game of the series turned into a real thriller. Colorado, with goals from Sam Malinski, Jack Drury, and Artturi Lehkonen, quickly took a 3-0 lead. Minnesota found the strength not only to come back but also to take the lead—5-4 midway through the second period after a goal by Marcus Foligno. However, the third period put everything in its place: Cale Makar scored a double, while Nazem Kadri and Nathan MacKinnon finished off the opponent.
Russian players left a bright mark on this game. Minnesota forward Vladimir Tarasenko scored a goal, while Kirill Kaprizov, Yakov Trenin, and Danila Yurov recorded assists. For Colorado, Valeri Nichushkin had two assists but has yet to score a goal.
Roster issues are a key factor in this matchup. Minnesota lost two key players: center Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin, who did not travel with the team to Denver. Both were injured in the series against Dallas and are expected to miss the second game. Colorado is without defenseman Josh Manson, but his replacement, Nick Blankenburg, scored on his first shift.
Analysis / Tactics / What to expect
The key matchup of the game is the duel between defensemen Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. Both had phenomenal first games: Makar recorded 2+1, and Hughes 1+2, leading the playoff scoring race with 11 points in 7 games. Their actions on special teams and during tempo changes will largely determine the game's flow. After an ugly collision with Foligno in the first period, Makar left the ice but returned and became the hero of the game. Coach Bednar confirmed that the defenseman is ready for Game 2.
The main intrigue is whether Minnesota can improve its defense. In the first game, the Wild's defensive structure resembled a sieve. Goaltender Jesper Wallstedt allowed 9 goals, five of which went under his glove. Nazem Kadri explained: "We wanted to load him up with shots under the glove and create pressure. When you score the first few, it gets harder for the goalie mentally." However, Minnesota points out that Colorado also had major breakdowns in positional defense: six goals allowed is also an anti-record.
Kaprizov was overshadowed in the first game—just one assist and a minus-2 rating. The Russian publicly admitted: "I know I have to play better and create more offense. We need points from me if we want to win." Interestingly, in the last regular-season game, Kaprizov scored his 36th goal, but in the playoffs, his chemistry with Hughes has yet to yield expected dividends.
Statistical trends point to high-scoring hockey. The over 5.5 goals has hit in four of Minnesota's last five road games. In three of the last four meetings between the teams, the game went to overtime. Betting odds reflect similar expectations: a Colorado win in regulation is priced around 1.83, while Minnesota advancing to the next round is about 3.87. Winline's analytics department expects at least six goals in the game.
Another factor is fatigue. Minnesota played a grueling six-game series against Dallas, while Colorado rested after a sweep of Los Angeles. Wild forward Marcus Foligno stated bluntly: "Losing Brodin and Ek changes a lot. But there are no excuses—we have to be ready."
In the third period of the first game, Colorado shifted into high gear, and Minnesota simply couldn't keep up. Devon Toews recorded 1+3, Martin Nečas had three assists, and a total of eight home players scored. Such offensive depth is Bednar's main weapon, and the Wild have yet to find an antidote.
Key moments
- Makar vs. Hughes matchup: the two best defensemen in the playoffs—top scorer vs. top point-getter.
- Minnesota's roster losses: without Eriksson Ek and Brodin, the team has lost balance at center and on defense.
- Kaprizov vs. Colorado's defense: the Russian must step up after a goal drought in the first game.
- Goaltending issues: Wallstedt allowed nine, Wedgewood six. Both coaches have plenty to discuss with their goalies.
- Third period as an indicator: in the first game, Colorado outscored the opponent 4-1 in the final 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Game two is a moment of truth for Minnesota. If Colorado wins again, a 2-0 series lead heading to St. Paul would be nearly demoralizing for the opponent. For the Wild, it's critical to impose a physical battle, slow down the pace, and force the home team to make mistakes in the neutral zone. But above all, it's about reviving the Kaprizov line.
On the other hand, the Avalanche are unlikely to play defensively. Bednar's team has the league's best offense, and with the support of the Ball Arena crowd, they will again try to overwhelm the opponent with speed. Analysts' prediction for the game: expect a goal fest, though less wild than the first game. Most likely, the teams will go over 5.5 goals, and the home team will again prevail in regulation. Denver is too good right now—and too hungry for a second Stanley Cup in recent years.
— Editorial Team
