5-2 Avs FINAL
Colorado leads series 3-1
That one had the feel of a game Minnesota nearly stole through sheer will and Wallstedt’s stubborn brilliance — until Colorado finally cracked it open in the third and walked out with a 5–2 win.
Minnesota actually built the right opening: Yurov’s tip‑in at 9:46 of the first gave them the early foothold they wanted on home ice. But the warning signs were already there — Colorado was stacking shots in layers, and by the time Kadri tied it on the power play at 6:08 of the second, the Avalanche had already dictated most of the ice.
The third period was where the dam finally gave way. Colton’s wrister at 6:56 put Colorado ahead 2–1, and even when Sturm answered at 9:15 to drag it back to 2–2 and give the building a jolt of belief, the Avalanche didn’t blink. Kelly restored the lead at 11:32 with a clean slap shot through traffic, and MacKinnon’s empty‑netter at 19:27 sealed the verdict.
The shot totals tell the truth of the night: 34–21 Colorado. Minnesota hung in because Wallstedt kept them in — again — but the Avalanche finally matched their pressure with finish.
Series now tied 3–1, and the emotional momentum swings back toward Colorado. The Wild didn’t lose their identity tonight, but they did lose their insulation. Game 5 becomes the fulcrum.
Game stats, highlights and best source of current data: Colorado Avalanche - Minnesota Wild - May 11, 2026 | NHL.com
