Full Breakdown
Avalanche Seek Home Series-Clinching Victory in Game 5
5/14/2026, 1:30:27 AM
Background & Context
The Colorado Avalanche entered Game 5 with a 3-1 series lead over the Minnesota Wild. The Avs have not closed a playoff series at home since 2008, losing four Game 5 home games, including two during their 2022 Cup run. The two teams have met three times in the postseason—Minnesota won in 2003 and 2014, Colorado in 2008.
Data & Statistics
Colorado leads 3-1, is 7-1 this postseason and unbeaten at home (4-0). The Avs have allowed only ten five-on-five goals (second-fewest) and hold a +10 third-period differential. In Game 4 they logged 32 hits and 20 home goals, tying for second-most in the playoffs. Scoring is spread: 20 Avs have scored, with Nathan MacKinnon leading at eight points. Minnesota’s top scorer is Kirill Kaprizov (five points).
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Jared Bednar said the team must stay focused on fundamentals and welcomed the extra rest day as an edge, noting Malinski and Lehkonen are day-to-day but could play if healthy. Wild coach John Hynes called the game an “opportunity to respond to the adversity” and urged his squad to give its best. Captain Gabriel Landeskog stressed “urgency, competitiveness and a repeatable structure,” while forward Logan O’Connor called the Avalanche’s plan “super repeatable” with home-ice energy.
Criticism & Opposition
Wild defenseman Brock Faber labeled the Game 4 loss “sloppy,” demanding the team give its “absolute best.” Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri warned that too much physical play can cause fatigue and injuries, emphasizing the need for balance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on the goaltender: some confirm Mackenzie Blackwood will start after a strong relief showing, others suggest Scott Wedgewood could return. Injury updates for Malinski and Lehkonen vary—Bednar calls them “possibly” available, yet other outlets list them as out for Game 5. The Wild’s roster status is clear: Eriksson Ek and Brodin remain absent.
Why It Matters / Impact
A Game 5 win sends Colorado to the Western Conference Final, adds a rest day before the Vegas-Anaheim winner, and avoids a travel-heavy Game 6 in Minnesota. It also ends the Avs’ home-closeout drought, reinforcing their reputation as a deep, adaptable contender.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The challenge is keeping your focus on the things you need to keep them on, right?” — Jared Bednar, head coach
- “Everyone playing this time of the year is banged up a little bit, so an extra day or two in some situations can make a big difference. So, yeah, there's motivation there, for sure.” — Jared Bednar
- “He went in the net, did exactly what I was hoping he would do.” — Jared Bednar
- “It was just sloppy,” — Brock Faber
