Story perspectives

Avalanche Edge Wild 9-6, Makar Returns with Two Late Goals

5/5/2026

Summary

Makar Scores

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild 9–6 in Game 1 of the semifinals on May 4, 2026, in Denver.
Defenseman Cale Makar, returning from injury, scored two third-period goals, including the go-ahead with 2:54 left.
Forward Devon Toews recorded a goal, three assists and four points, tying Nathan MacKinnon with seven points.
Fourteen players scored, making it the tenth playoff game with at least 15 goals and the second-most since 1994.

Summary

Avalanche Advance

The Avalanche entered second round as Presidents' Trophy winners after a 4-0 sweep of the Kings.
The Minnesota Wild reached first second round in 11 years, winning a series since 2015.
The Wild missed forward Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin for opening two games.
Game 2 is set for May 5 at Ball Arena, with series alternating venues through Game 7 on May 17.
Later games shift to ESPN, DIRECTV and fubo.

Summary

Avalanche Outpaces

Avalanche use a fast-transition game with three puck-moving blueliners to outpace the focused Wild.
Coach stresses winning the 5-on-5 battle, noting Colorado’s 27.8 even-strength chances per game in round 1.
Special-teams could tip the series, highlighted by Artturi Lehkonen’s early power-play goal and the Avalanche’s need to avoid penalties.
UCHealth ran a Cale Makar look-alike contest awarding two Game 2 tickets, while Makar absorbed a hit from Marcus Foligno, recovered, and contributed.

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Makar Scores

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild 9–6 in Game 1 of the semifinals on May 4, 2026, in Denver.
Defenseman Cale Makar, returning from injury, scored two third-period goals, including the go-ahead with 2:54 left.
Forward Devon Toews recorded a goal, three assists and four points, tying Nathan MacKinnon with seven points.
Fourteen players scored, making it the tenth playoff game with at least 15 goals and the second-most since 1994.

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