The Colorado Avalanche did not have things all their very own way on Wednesday night in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild, but they showed up and played their best when their backs were against the wall. After the Wild ripped off three consecutive goals in the primary period, the Avs slowly worked their way back into the sport to get a 4-3 extra time win and win the series in five games.
After Jack Drury cut the Wild lead to only one with lower than 4 minutes to go, the Avalanche still needed to seek out another goal to even things up. Nathan MacKinnon, as he has so again and again before, got here up with the products. With the web empty, MacKinnon found a sliver of space shortside against Jesper Wallstedt to even things up at three.
Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog has seen MacKinnon make loads of incredible plays during their time together. After the sport, he marveled at one other one during certainly one of the largest moments of the season
“Special players make 𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑳 plays.”
“Nate puts it where it didn’t appear like there was a complete lot of room.”
– Gabe Landeskog on Nathan MacKinnon’s goal 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/tRpnnlNh5Q
— DNVR Avalanche (@DNVR_Avalanche) May 14, 2026
“Special players make special plays,” Landeskog said. “And Nate puts it where it didn’t appear like there was a complete lot of room.”
In extra time, Martin Necas found Brett Kulak for the game-winning goal just 3:52 in, and the Avs are heading to the Western Conference Finals in consequence.
Incredibly, MacKinnon scored a goal in each of the five games against the Wild on this second-round series. He added 4 assists, all of which got here in the primary two games, bringing his total to nine points for the series. He has been the most effective player on the ice consistently for Colorado to date within the postseason, and they’re going to need that to proceed in the event that they wish to get eight more wins and get their hands on a second Stanley Cup within the last five seasons.
The Avs will now have a superb amount of break day before the Western Conference Finals get underway. Colorado will play the winner between the Golden Knights and the Geese, with Vegas currently leading the series 3-2.
The Colorado Avalanche did not have things all their very own way on Wednesday night in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild, but they showed up and played their best when their backs were against the wall. After the Wild ripped off three consecutive goals in the primary period, the Avs slowly worked their way back into the sport to get a 4-3 extra time win and win the series in five games.