The Colorado Avalanche have been playing with their hair on fire in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, showcasing the depth, speed, and resilience that earned them the Presidents’ Trophy. Their postseason opened with a dominant 4–0 sweep of the Los Angeles Kings, a series in which Colorado looked like an unstoppable force. The Avalanche allowed just 1.3 goals per game entering the second round, demonstrating a suffocating defensive core anchored by elite play from Cale Makar and steady goaltending.
Transitioning into the second round, Colorado faced a confident Minnesota Wild team that had just won its first second‑round berth in over a decade. The Avalanche immediately set the tone with a wild 9–6 victory in Game 1, featuring scoring contributions from eight different players, including two goals from Makar. Their offensive explosion continued in Game 2 with a 5–2 win, giving Colorado a 2–0 series lead and showing how truly special this AVS team is.
However, the Wild responded with a haymaker in Game 3, handing Colorado its first loss of the postseason in a blowout 5–1 defeat. Minnesota’s early scoring power exposed vulnerabilities in Colorado’s transition defense and reminded the Avalanche that even top‑seeded teams face resiliency in the playoffs. Still, Colorado maintains a 2–1 series lead and continues to hold home‑ice advantage for the remainder of the postseason.
Beyond the scoreboard, the Avalanche’s run has been defined by elite individual performances and advanced metrics that highlight their strengths. Makar’s unmatched skating speed—reaching a postseason‑leading 23.92 mph—and Colorado’s league‑best total of 20‑plus mph speed bursts demonstrate the team’s identity as a fast, aggressive, and offensively creative unit. The depth from the AVS is something no other team has, and will carry them all the way to the Stanley Cup.
The AVS are set to face the Wild in game four tonight. A win would all but clinch the series and secure a conference championship.
