Welcome to the NHL Predictions for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Minnesota Wild against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1 of Western Conference second-round playoff action. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers will continue this series throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, up to the final game.
NHL Predictions with Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche
Season Series: Minnesota 2-2 Colorado
Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | 6:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
How to Watch: Canada: Sportsnet+, SN360, SN, CBC, TVAS, TVAS+
United States: HBO Max, TNT, truTV
Location: Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
Credit Image: © Spencer Lee/ZUMA Press Wire
It is a much-anticipated Quinn Hughes vs Cale Makar battle in a Central Division matchup between the Wild and the Avalanche. Minnesota defeated the Dallas Stars in six games in the first round, while the Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings. It is sure to be an exhilarating matchup filled with talented and exciting players on both sides.
The Wild Story
Minnesota was able to dismantle the Stars, mostly due to the play of their star players. Matt Boldy led the way with six goals in six games in the first round, while Kirill Kaprizov had nine points and Quinn Hughes had eight. Although they struggled on the penalty kill, just killing 60% of the penalties, they only gave up five goals at even strength in the series. If they can improve their special teams in this series, they could stand a good chance of winning it.
The Avalanche Story
Colorado has had an easier time of it, as they were able to adapt perfectly to the Kings’ defensive game. They only allowed five goals in their entire first-round series, and their team looked dangerous offensively and was very solid defensively. They did not play their best games in the first round, but they were not pushed to either. Colorado will need to turn their play up against a much stronger Wild team. One thing they will need to improve is their power play, which only scored one goal on eleven opportunities against the Kings.
Starting Goalies
Below are the projected starters for tonight’s game. Please check social media for the most updated information before locking in your daily fantasy lineups.
For Minnesota, Jesper Wallstedt will get the start. He has allowed just two goals in each of his last three starts. He has a 4-2 record, a 2.05 goals-against average, and a .924 save percentage in the playoffs.
For Colorado, Scott Wedgewood will start. He has been one of the best goaltenders in the playoffs so far, with the second-highest save percentage. He has a 4-0 record, a 1.21 goals-against average, and a .950 save percentage in the playoffs.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets
It may be an interesting choice to bet against the Avs, but we believe that the Wild will be ready to go out of the gate, while the Avs may not be just yet, since their last series was a rather smooth one. Therefore, we will predict an upset victory for the Wild in Game 1.
Prediction: Wild win 3-2.
Best Bets
To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. For the Wild, we will pick Matt Boldy to keep his hot streak going with another goal. On the Avalanche side, we will pick Martin Necas to chip in with one.
Main Photo Credit: Credit Image: © Glen Stubbe/Minneapolis Star Tribune via ZUMA Wire
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