Wild's Game 5 Collapse Ends Season, Raises Offseason Questions

On May 22, 2024, the Minnesota Wild fell 4-3 in overtime to the Colorado Avalanche in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals, ending a 46-win regular season. Minnesota led 3-0 after the first period, but Colorado scored four straight goals—including two in the final four minutes of regulation—to force overtime, where Brett Kulak delivered the series-clinching goal.

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The Wild entered the series after a 4-2 upset of the Dallas Stars, their first series win since 2015. Colorado entered as the President’s Trophy winners and held a 3-1 series lead. Minnesota’s core featured 45-goal forward Kirill Kaprizov, 42-goal rookie Matt Boldy, and defenseman Quinn Hughes, acquired at the trade deadline. Nick Foligno contributed two first-period goals, Marcus Johansson added a third-period tally, and goaltending was split between Filip Gustavsson (under a five-year, $34 million extension) and Jesper Wallstedt.

Wild's choke job against Avalanche might actually be way worse than we all think

Natural Stat Trick recorded a 47.2 % shot-share for Minnesota in the first period, falling to 38 % in the second and 67.57 % in the third. Sources differ on the Avalanche’s overall shot-share—one cites 78 % for the game, another lists 80 % in overtime and 67.5 % in 5-on-5 play. Colorado dominated overtime possession with an 80 % share. The Wild’s record in their last ten elimination games dropped to 2-8.

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Head coach John Hynes praised the “competitive effort” of both teams and said the club will “take lessons” from the series win over Dallas. Quinn Hughes called the loss “stinging” but affirmed confidence in the roster. The organization highlighted the season’s achievements, including the 46-win campaign and the first series victory in a decade.

Wild coach John Hynes looks on the bright side after brutal collapse vs. Avalanche

Analysts note Gustavsson’s no-movement clause limits trade flexibility, while the supporting cast—Marcus Foligno, Jared Spurgeon and Mats Zuccarello—approaches the end of their contracts. The free-agent market, led by Alex Tuch, Anthony Mantha and Evgeni Malkin, offers limited upgrades. Injuries to Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin during the series further exposed depth concerns, prompting questions about the Wild’s ability to replicate this run without significant roster changes.

Wild's choke job against Avalanche might actually be way worse than we all think

• “I think everyone feels empty right now. It wasn’t the finish we wanted. We knew it’d be a tough series. I don’t know. It’s hard to explain right after a game like that. You’re an older group, so these chances don’t come that often. So I think it’s just empty,” — Mats Zuccarello, Forward

Wild’s Mats Zuccarello vocal on ’empty feeling’ after Avalanche collapse

• “Love the guys, love the coaching staff, the whole organization,” — Quinn Hughes, Defenseman

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• “When you go after something like this, right, there's going to be two sides of the coin. One is you're going to win, which is a great feeling, and when you lose, it's an empty feeling,” — John Hynes, Head Coach

Wild coach John Hynes looks on the bright side after brutal collapse vs. Avalanche

The Wild must decide on Hughes’ contract extension, assess Gustavsson’s role under his no-movement clause, and explore trade options for a top-six forward. With Kaprizov, Boldy and Hughes forming a strong core, Minnesota aims to turn the 2025-26 momentum into sustained postseason success in 2026-27.

Wild were their own worst enemy in epic Game 5 elimination meltdown against Avs