Story perspectives

Wild Crush Avalanche 5-1, Lead Series 2-1

5/10/2026

Summary

Wild Beat Avalanche

Minnesota Wild beat Colorado Avalanche 5-1 in Game 3 on May 9, 2026.
Kirill Kaprizov opened scoring and added assists, with goals from Brock Faber, Quinn Hughes, Ryan Hartman and Matt Boldy.
The Wild’s goaltenders were Wedgewood (3 goals on 12 shots), Blackwood (12 of 13 saves) and Wallstedt (34 saves).
The win gave a 2-1 series lead, ended the streak, and marked the team’s first second-round home playoff win since May 9, 2014.

Summary

Manson Returns

Josh Manson is expected back for Game 3, strengthening Colorado’s second defensive pairing.
Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin remain out with lower-body injuries, though Eriksson Ek may be a game-time call.
Colorado, the Presidents’ Trophy winners, stays unbeaten at 6-0 despite not winning a St. Paul playoff game since April 17, 2008.
Jack Ahcan was sent to the AHL Colorado Eagles, opening a roster spot after Coach Jared Bednar said Manson’s health is good.

Summary

Avalanche Betting

Betting markets list Colorado Avalanche at -130 and Minnesota Wild at +110 on the money line for Game 3 on May 9, 2026.
The over/under is 6.5 goals, with PrizePicks paying 1.72× for an Avalanche win and 2.04× for a Wild win.
SportsLine’s model ran 10,000 simulations, projecting an under-6.5 total and about 90% save rates for both goalies.
The model’s money-line picks have earned a +668 return on NHL selections this postseason.

Summary

Hynes Starts

Coach John Hynes started Jesper Wallstedt in Game 3, citing his 2.61 GAA and .916 save percentage despite earlier benching that may have stemmed from altitude and fatigue.
He kept Daemon Hunt with Jared Spurgeon at even strength, paired Jake Middleton with Zach Bogosian, and left Middleton and Brock Faber on the penalty-kill.
Joel Eriksson Ek stays off the travel roster, with Hynes saying the final decision will be made at game time.

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Wild Beat Avalanche

Minnesota Wild beat Colorado Avalanche 5-1 in Game 3 on May 9, 2026.
Kirill Kaprizov opened scoring and added assists, with goals from Brock Faber, Quinn Hughes, Ryan Hartman and Matt Boldy.
The Wild’s goaltenders were Wedgewood (3 goals on 12 shots), Blackwood (12 of 13 saves) and Wallstedt (34 saves).
The win gave a 2-1 series lead, ended the streak, and marked the team’s first second-round home playoff win since May 9, 2014.

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