The Minnesota Wild entered Game 5 of their playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche with a commanding 3‑0 lead, sparked by early strikes from Marcus Johansson and Nick Foligno.
A Defensive Misstep
Coach Craig Berube’s decision to tighten up the defense, essentially “turtling” to protect the advantage, backfired as the Avalanche’s depth began to wear down the Wild’s top six, already depleted by an injury to Joel Eriksson Ek.
Colorado’s relentless forecheck and quick transitions created chances, and the Wild’s once‑solid blue line started to crack under the pressure.
The Avalanche’s Late Surge
In the final minutes of regulation, the Avalanche struck three times, with Parker Kelly, Jack Drury, and Nathan MacKinnon delivering the goals that forced overtime.
Brett Kulak added the decisive marker in the extra period, sealing a comeback that left Minnesota’s season in jeopardy.
The Avalanche’s offensive firepower, ranked among the league’s most dangerous, capitalized on the Wild’s over‑cautious approach, turning a seemingly secure lead into a stunning defeat.
With the loss, the Wild’s campaign ended, bringing a close to a season marked by early promise and a late‑stage collapse.