Trending Now - Makar Shines With Two Goals in Avalanche's Wild Playoff Opener

WHO:

The Denver Post - Cale Makar scored two goals and had three points over 21 shifts in Game 1.

The Denver Post - Marcus Foligno delivered a hit on Cale Makar that sent him to the locker room for treatment.

NHL.com - Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog stated, “The chess match started in the regular season, and now it carries on to this series. We expect it to be tough and tight-checking, so should be a lot of fun.”

NHL.com - Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno described the playoff advancement as “Christmas morning.”

Reddit Sports - Cale Makar scored twice for the Colorado Avalanche.

NHL.com - Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog commented on the matchup.

NHL.com - Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno expressed excitement about advancing in the playoffs.

WHAT:

The Denver Post - The Colorado Avalanche took a 1-0 series lead in the Western Conference Second Round against the Minnesota Wild.

The Denver Post - The Avalanche scored nine goals against the Wild in Game 1, with the final score being 9-6.

NHL.com - The Colorado Avalanche scored nine goals against the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round.

Reddit Sports - The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild 9-6 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

NHL.com - This is the fourth postseason meeting between the Avalanche and Wild, with the previous encounter in 2014.

WHERE:

NHL.com - The game took place at Ball Arena in Denver.

WHEN:

NHL.com - The Western Conference Second Round began on a Sunday.

WHY:

NHL.com - The Minnesota Wild advanced to the second round after defeating the Dallas Stars, marking their first advancement in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 2014-15 season.

HOW:

The Denver Post - Cale Makar returned to the ice after treatment and scored both of his goals in the third period.

NHL.com - The Avalanche and Wild had previously faced each other in the regular season, with each team winning a game decisively (Avalanche 5-1 on December 21; Wild 5-2 on February 26) and two games going to shootouts.

(UPDATED May 4, 2026 17:25 UTC)

The Colorado Avalanche took a commanding 1-0 series lead in the Western Conference Second Round against the Minnesota Wild, scoring an impressive nine goals in Game 1, with the final score being 9 to 6. Cale Makar, who had to leave the ice for treatment after a hit from Marcus Foligno, made a strong comeback, scoring both of his goals in the third period. Makar finished the game with two goals and three points over 21 shifts, showcasing his resilience and skill.

(UPDATED May 4, 2026 15:36 UTC)

In a thrilling start to the Western Conference Second Round, the Colorado Avalanche dominated the Minnesota Wild with a stunning nine goals in Game 1. Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog noted that the intensity of the matchup began during the regular season and is expected to continue, while Minnesota forward Marcus Foligno likened their playoff advancement to "Christmas morning." This marks a significant moment for the Wild, as they have advanced to the second round for the first time since the 2014-15 season after defeating the Dallas Stars.

(UPDATED May 4, 2026 09:38 UTC)

In an exciting start to the Western Conference Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Colorado Avalanche triumphed over the Minnesota Wild with a score of nine to six in Game 1 at Ball Arena in Denver. Cale Makar made a significant impact by scoring twice, while Minnesota's Marcus Foligno expressed his enthusiasm about advancing in the playoffs after their victory over the Dallas Stars. This matchup marks the fourth postseason meeting between the Avalanche and Wild, with their last encounter dating back to 2014.