Avalanche Outlast Wild 9-6 in Historic Playoff Opener Sport By lines May 3, 2026 Avalanche Wild Game 1 produced the most goals in an NHL playoff game since 1994. Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche scored twice in the third period to seal victory. The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild 9-6 at Ball Arena in Denver on May 3, 2026. Makar Returns, Delivers in a Historic Playoff Shootout Cale Makar departed early in the first period after taking a hit from Marcus Foligno of the Minnesota Wild. Cale Makar returned to the Colorado Avalanche lineup for the second period. Cale Makar then scored twice in the third period and added one assist for a three-point night. Devon Toews of the Colorado Avalanche finished with one goal and three assists. Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche contributed one goal and two assists. Martin Necas of the Colorado Avalanche recorded three assists. Scott Wedgewood of the Colorado Avalanche made 30 saves in goal. The Minnesota Wild rallied from a 4-1 deficit to take a 5-4 second-period lead. Marcus Foligno of the Minnesota Wild scored a short-handed goal at 16:55 of the second period. Devon Toews of the Colorado Avalanche answered at 18:04 to restore a 5-5 tie before the third period. Cale Makar put the Colorado Avalanche ahead 6-5 at 3:21 of the third period. Nazem Kadri of the Colorado Avalanche scored to extend the Colorado lead to 7-5. Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche added an empty-net goal. The 9-6 final was just the 10th playoff game in NHL history with 15 or more combined goals. Related Sports Coverage Wild Open Round 2 at Avalanche With Game 1 Tonight Wild Top Stars 5-2, Win First Series in 11 Years Ducks Topple Oilers 5-2 in First Playoff Win Since 2017 Sources: NHL.com game recap, ESPN boxscore.
