The series opener between the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night was nothing short of electric playoff hockey. In a game that tied for the fifth-highest scoring matchup in Stanley Cup Playoff history, the Avalanche outlasted the Wild in a 9-6 game at Ball Arena, taking a 1-0 series lead.
The defensive pairings for the Avalanche combined for 10 total points. Led by Devon Toews with 1 goal and 3 assists, and Cale Makar, who found the back of the net twice despite missing most of the first half to get checked for a concussion. Nazem Kadri eventually netted the game-winner on a partial breakaway to make it 7–5, and the Avs went on to score two more
Despite the Avalanches early 3 goals lead the Wild briefly help a 5-4 lead in the second period after a shorthanded goal by Marcus Foligno. Offensively the wild stayed in the game with Quinn Hughes, tallying three points, and goals from veterans like Vladimir Tarasenko and Mats Zuccarello.
Tonight, at Ball Arena the Wild look to even the series. For Minnesota, the focus will be on slowing down Colorado’s elite speed and the Wild must find a way to defend the neutral zone to prevent odd-man rushes. Additionally, it was announced that Fillip Gustavsson will make his first playoff start in net in place of Wallstedt (8 goals on 42 shots in game 1). 
Colorado, meanwhile, will look to prove that their defensive lapses in Game 1 were an anomaly. After surrendering a 3-0 lead and allowing four high-danger goals, the Avalanche will aim to support Scott Wedgewood more effectively.
Colorado enters tonight having won five straight playoff games. Tonight they will try for their sixth straight win in order to take a 2-0 series lead before heading to St. Paul where as the Wild will look to tie the series at 1-1.
