Overview
- Colorado, which won Sunday in Denver, leads the series 1-0 after a 9-6 opener that produced 15 total goals.
- Cale Makar left early after a hit, returned for the third period, and scored twice including an insurance goal with 2:54 left.
- Minnesota played without center Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin for Games 1 and 2, while Colorado filled Josh Manson’s spot with Nick Blankenburg, who scored.
- Jesper Wallstedt made 34 saves for the Wild and Scott Wedgewood stopped 30 for the Avalanche in a game where chances poured in from both sides.
- Game 2 is Tuesday in Denver, and the four-day gap before Game 3 gives both teams a window to reassess injured regulars.