Western Conference Finals: A Battle of Blue Lines
The Avalanche and Golden Knights will clash in the West finals, with defensive depth and health shaping the outcome.
May 18, 2026
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Sam Malinski
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Sam Malinski across Hockey.
Avalanche Explore New Defensive Options as Malinski Returns
With Sam Malinski edging closer to full health, Colorado ponders a seventh defenseman role, and Coach Jared Bednar’s praise of the Vegas Golden Knights hints at strategic shifts in the Avalanche’s lineup.
May 18, 2026
Sam Malinski’s Full‑Speed Return Sets the Stage for Avalanche’s Push
Sam Malinski’s return to full health bolsters Colorado’s defense as they eye the Western Conference Finals.
May 18, 2026
Avalanche’s Defensive Core Returns for Western Conference Finals Opener
Colorado Avalanche will field a fully healthy defense for the first game of the Western Conference Finals, with veteran defenseman Josh Manson and emerging blueliner Sam Malinski both cleared to play.
May 18, 2026
Avalanche’s Injury Update Ahead of Crucial Conference Final Clash
A look at the Avalanche’s injury updates, the upcoming conference final showdown with Vegas, trade rumors around Trocheck, and the latest from the IIHF World Championship.
May 18, 2026
Avalanche Prepare for Game 1 Against Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche held a full practice ahead of the Western Conference Finals Game 1, with Alex Gagne participating and several star players missing, while coach Jared Bednar reassured fans about availability.
May 17, 2026
Colorado Avalanche Face Injury Questions Before Showdown with Vegas Golden Knights
Injuries to Cale Makar, Brent Burns and others loom over Colorado’s chances as they prepare for a pivotal series against a deep Vegas squad.
May 17, 2026
Avalanche Gear Up for Western Conference Final Against Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche face the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final, navigating injuries to key players while preparing for a matchup defined by deep center talent on both sides.
May 16, 2026
Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin Eyes Roster Overhaul to Counter Colorado Avalanche
Bill Guerin, the general manager of the Minnesota Wild, faces the task of building a team capable of defeating the dominant Colorado Avalanche. Despite having star players like Quinn Hughes, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber, the Wild struggle with speed and special teams, which were exposed in their playoff series against the Avalanche. Guerin has the flexibility this offseason to address these issues, including potentially signing Hughes to a long-term extension and targeting faster players in free agency or via trade. The Wild's success will depend on their ability to match the Avalanche's speed and skill, as well as improve their penalty kill, which was a key factor in their Olympic success.
May 14, 2026
Avalanche Rally to Historic Home Playoff Victory
Colorado’s Avalanche erased a late deficit to defeat Minnesota 4‑3, securing a home series win for the first time in 18 years and setting up a showdown with the Dallas Stars.
May 14, 2026
Colorado Avalanche Rally to Overtime Victory Over Minnesota Wild
The Avalanche erased a 3‑0 deficit to defeat the Wild 4‑3 in overtime, with Brett Kulak’s sudden‑death goal and Nathan MacKinnon’s sixth straight game scoring streak.
May 14, 2026
Avalanche Eye Series Clinch in Game 5 Against Wild
The Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild meet for Game 5 of their second‑round series, a contest that could send Colorado to the Western Conference Final for the eighth time in franchise history.
May 13, 2026
Avalanche Eye Home‑Ice Victory as Wild Face Elimination
Colorado leads the series 3‑1, boasting 20 goals from 15 different scorers, and can close it out at home on Wednesday. Key players are sidelined, and the Wild’s forechecking has faltered.
May 12, 2026
Colorado Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland Emerges as Top Contender for Jim Gregory Award
Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland is among the finalists for the prestigious Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award, celebrated for his strategic moves that reshaped the franchise.
May 12, 2026
Avalanche Extend Playoff Lead with 5-2 Victory Over Wild
Colorado Avalanche defeated Minnesota Wild 5-2 in Game 4, taking a 3-1 series lead and moving one win away from the Western Conference Final.
May 12, 2026
Avalanche Lean on Blackwood, Depth to Take Game 4 Over Wild
Mackenzie Blackwood’s standout performance, a 20‑4 shot advantage and timely goals from Ross Colton and Parker Kelly powered the Colorado Avalanche to a pivotal Game 4 victory, putting them one win away from closing out the series at Ball Arena.
May 12, 2026