Updated 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket, Schedule, Highlights After Avalanche Eliminate Wild

There was only one game on Wednesday's NHL playoff slate, and the stakes couldn't have been higher for the Minnesota Wild.

Minnesota's season was on the line in Game 5 of its second-round series against the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado entered Wednesday's contest with a 3-1 lead in the series and the opportunity to advance to the Western Conference Final simply by taking care of business at home.

Here is a look at how it all unfolded.

Wednesday's Results

• Western Conference Game 5: Colorado Avalanche 4, Minnesota Wild 3 in overtime (Avalanche win series, 4-1)

Thursday Schedule

• Eastern Conference Game 5: Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET (Series tied, 2-2)
• Western Conference Game 6: Vegas Golden Knights at Anaheim Ducks, 9:30 p.m. ET (Golden Knights lead series, 3-2)

Wednesday Highlights

Colorado Avalanche 4, Minnesota Wild 3 (overtime)

If the Avalanche go on to win the Stanley Cup, they will surely look back at Wednesday's win as one of the most memorable ones along their playoff journey.

After all, they came storming back from a 3-0 deficit in the first period to win the series with a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory.

Brett Kulak played the role of hero with the overtime goal, but goaltender Scott Wedgewood also deserves plenty of credit for stopping every shot he saw after entering the game as a replacement.

Despite the loss, Minnesota came out with the expected amount of urgency given what was at stake and scored three goals in the first period alone. Two of those goals came from Nick Foligno after Marcus Johansson set the tone with one in the opening minute.

The visitors actually scored four goals in that period, but replay review overturned one when it determined Michael McCarron batted the puck into the net with his hand.

It would have been easy for Colorado to fold from there and start focusing on the chance to close the series in Game 6, but it fought back in the second period with a goal from Parker Kelly and overall momentum as it controlled play for extended stretches.

It also replaced goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood with Wedgewood as it tried to remain within striking distance.

Wedgewood keeping the Wild at three goals meant the Avalanche remained dangerous, and dangerous they were when they finally solved Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt late in the third period.

First, Jack Drury redirected one in to make it 3-2. Then, Nathan MacKinnon buried a shot from an angle for the goal that ultimately forced overtime.

That set the stage for the winner, and Kulak delivered.