Story perspectives

Kulak’s OT Goal Sends Avalanche to Conference Final

5/18/2026

Summary

Kulak Overtime Win

Brett Kulak scored the overtime winner in Game 5, erasing a three-goal deficit and sending the Colorado Avalanche to the conference final.
Colorado is unbeaten at Ball Arena (5-0), has tied an NHL record with 16 scorers, and is listed at –250 to –275 odds.
Nathan MacKinnon (six-game goal streak, 13 points), Martin Necas (11 points) and goaltender Scott Wedgewood (who stopped all seven overtime shots) helped the Avalanche clinch the series.

Summary

Avalanche Rest Days

The Colorado Avalanche will rest two days, practice Saturday and Sunday, skip Monday, and skate Tuesday before their next series.
Coach Jared Bednar said practicing in November-January will be hard because of the “juice and excitement.”
Veteran Nazem Kadri said days off let players detach and reset mental focus.
Forward Parker Kelly called the playoff bubble mentally challenging.
Kadri urged younger players to control emotions and avoid over-excitement.

Summary

Marner Trade

With defensemen Cale Makar, Brent Burns and Artturi Lehkonen out due to injuries, Coach Jared Bednar said Alex Gagne, a blueliner who has not debuted, could be called up.
Vegas Golden Knights start the series with Mark Stone and Jeremy Lauzon injured, while coach John Tortorella leads a squad finished 7-0-1.
A trade sent Nicolas Roy to the Avalanche and brought Mitch Marner, who has 18 points, to the Knights.

Summary

Golden Knights Surge

The Golden Knights won six consecutive Game 6s by 5-1 scores, moving to the Western Conference final.
Goalie Carter Hart posted a .918 save percentage and a 2.37 GAA in his last seven playoff games, which coach John Tortorella described as mental growth.
Defenseman Noah Hanifin and forward Mitch Marner said playoff experience and a 7-0-1 regular-season finish built the team’s confidence.

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Kulak Overtime Win

Brett Kulak scored the overtime winner in Game 5, erasing a three-goal deficit and sending the Colorado Avalanche to the conference final.
Colorado is unbeaten at Ball Arena (5-0), has tied an NHL record with 16 scorers, and is listed at –250 to –275 odds.
Nathan MacKinnon (six-game goal streak, 13 points), Martin Necas (11 points) and goaltender Scott Wedgewood (who stopped all seven overtime shots) helped the Avalanche clinch the series.

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