Probably a one-off: Avalanche take Game 1 after high-scoring duel with Wild
DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche opened their second-round playoff series with a statement, if not a statement of dominance. In a game that defied script and logic, the Avalanche outlasted the Minnesota Wild 9-6 on Sunday night, May 3, 2026, in a wild, back-and-forth duel that saw 15 goals scored between two of the NHL’s most formidable defensive teams. The game was so unusual that even the coaches struggled to explain it.
The Avalanche, who had led by three goals just 6 minutes and 47 seconds into the game, found themselves trailing 5-4 late in the second period before rallying to win in a game that featured five goals in each period. It was the 10th playoff game ever with at least 15 combined goals and just the second since 1994. The game as well tied for the second-most goals scored by different players in a playoff game, with 14 players contributing.
For the Avalanche, the victory was a necessary one. They improved to 72-1 since moving to Colorado in 1995-96 when leading a playoff game by three or more goals, with the lone loss coming in Game 5 against St. Louis in a season they went on to win the Stanley Cup.
Cale Makar’s return and heroics
Cale Makar, who had left the game in the first period with an undisclosed ailment, returned in the third period and scored twice, including the game-winning goal with 2:54 remaining. Makar, who had an assist on Nick Blankenburg’s goal in the second period, also took a scary hit along the boards from Marcus Foligno early in the first period. The defenseman’s right leg flew into the air before falling to the ice, but he tested his skating with some twirls at the end of the first period and returned for the second.
Just a weird game. I don’t experience we’re going to see that again. It’s probably a one-off, but glad we were able to stick with it and find a way to win.Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Makar’s goals were critical in the Avalanche’s comeback. After trailing 5-4 late in the second period, Makar’s two goals in the third period helped the Avalanche take a 9-6 lead, which they held on to with Nathan MacKinnon adding an empty-net goal with 2:08 remaining.
A game of chaos and resilience
The game was so chaotic that even Colorado coach Jared Bednar struggled to explain it. “If you scripted that one, I don’t know how you do. I can’t explain it,” Bednar said.
It’s nice to be able to win games like this. Not necessarily a coach’s dream or a player’s dream—we don’t want to give up six goals. It’s good to win this one, but we’ve got lots of things to clean up.Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche
The Wild, who had advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, were without forward Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin, who were ruled out for Game 2 as well. Minnesota coach John Hynes acknowledged the team’s struggles.
Listen, the game was helter-skelter. We lost the game. There are certain areas we’ve got to clean up and be ready to clean up. If you lose a game, you’ve got to take the lessons out of it, move on.John Hynes, Minnesota Wild
Goaltending struggles and a track meet
Both goalies struggled, but made some timely saves. Scott Wedgewood, who had the league’s best goals-against average this season, allowed one more goal than he did in the entire sweep of the Los Angeles Kings in Round 1. Jesper Wallstedt, the Wild’s goaltender, stopped 34 shots but faced a barrage of scoring chances.
He’s great. He’s going to bounce back. He’ll be fine next game. He’s a beast. This wasn’t on him. I mean, there’s a lot of things, but we got to play a little bit faster for him.Marcus Foligno, Minnesota Wild
The game was a track meet on ice, with players like Makar, MacKinnon and Foligno contributing multiple goals. The Avalanche’s resilience in overcoming a three-goal deficit early in the game set the tone for the series.
What’s next?
The Avalanche and Wild will meet again on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, for Game 2 of the series at Ball Arena in Denver. The Wild will look to bounce back from their chaotic Game 1 loss, whereas the Avalanche will aim to build on their momentum and maintain their playoff form.
The series is set to continue with Game 3 on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Minnesota, followed by Game 4 on Monday, May 11, 2026, and Game 5 on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, if necessary.
For now, the Avalanche lead the series 1-0, but the Wild have shown they are more than capable of making a comeback. The next game promises to be another test of resilience and skill for both teams.
Follow the series as it unfolds, and stay tuned for more updates on the Avalanche and Wild’s quest for the Stanley Cup.
What do you think about the Avalanche’s performance in Game 1? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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