Wild End Avs' Perfect Playoff Run With 5-1 Game 3 Win

Wild End Avs’ Perfect Playoff Run With 5-1 Game 3 Win

Sport

By lines

May 10, 2026

Anonymous hockey goaltender making a save in pop-art illustration style

The Wild handed the Avalanche their first loss of the 2026 playoffs, winning Game 3 by a 5-1 score. Jesper Wallstedt made 34 saves in Wallstedt’s return as starter. Colorado had entered the game 6-0 in these playoffs.

Wallstedt Silences Doubts, Kaprizov Drives the Win

Wallstedt was benched in Game 2 after a rough outing. Minnesota handed Wallstedt the start Saturday and Wallstedt delivered. According to ESPN, Wallstedt tied Dwayne Roloson for the most postseason wins in a single Wild season. Roloson set that mark at five victories back in 2003.

Kirill Kaprizov had a goal and two assists for a three-point night. Kaprizov scored first, then set up two more Minnesota goals. The Wild power play connected twice in the game. Minnesota held Colorado to one goal across all three periods.

Colorado’s Scott Wedgewood allowed three goals on 12 shots. The Avalanche pulled Wedgewood early in the second period, per ESPN. Mackenzie Blackwood entered in relief and stopped 12 of 13 shots. Colorado now faces a goaltender decision ahead of Game 4.

NHL.com confirmed the Avalanche still lead the series 2-1. Game 4 goes Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Xcel Energy Center. Colorado’s first playoff loss does not erase a dominant postseason. The Wild need three more wins to advance past the Avalanche.