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 2 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
Series: Colorado leads 1-0
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | 5:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
How to Watch: Canada: Sportsnet+, SN, CBC, TVAS, TVAS+
United States: ESPN
Location: Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
Following a 9-6 win for the Avalanche on Sunday, the Wild look for the split in Denver, Colorado. Meanwhile, the Avs look to hold serve at home. It was a bonkers Game 1, with a goal scored every few minutes in high-flying, fast-paced action. It was not a friendly game for the two goaltenders, for sure. Even if we expected a high-scoring series, a 15-goal contest was not in our wildest imaginings.
The Wild Story
One thing the Wild can feel good about is that they were able to break through the stingy Avalanche defence and get six by them. Quinn Hughes recorded three points, and ten forwards recorded a single point. However, they do need to try to limit the chances against. Jesper Wallstedt looked shaky for the first time in these playoffs, allowing eight goals on 42 shots.
Credit Image: © Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune via ZUMA Press Wire
On the injury front, they are missing two key players, which may have contributed to a tough first game. Joel Eriksson Ek missed Game 1 with a lower-body injury and will not be playing in this game as well. Jonas Brodin has been out since Game 5 against Dallas, after blocking a shot. His status will likely be revealed closer to puck drop. Danila Yurov and Daemon Hunt were their respective replacements in Game 1 and could be in the lineup once again tonight.
The Avalanche Story
From 2-1 games to a 9-6 game, the Avs have shown they can play varying styles of hockey and succeed. It was a crazy roller coaster for them in Game 1, blowing a 3-0 lead, trailing 5-4, and then ultimately prevailing. Devon Toews had four points, while Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Martin Necas each had three points and looked like their dominant selves again. Five out of nine goals were from defencemen.
Josh Manson is listed as day-to-day, so he will likely be a game-time decision. One other thing to look out for is Cale Makar’s possible lower-body injury. He missed most of the first period in Game 1, but returned and scored two goals.
Cale Makar appears to have a hip injury. He was caught putting a numbing cream on his left hip between shifts. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/xFTON1tIOJ
— Drew Livingstone (@ProducerDrew_) May 4, 2026
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, we will predict another Jesper Wallstedt start. He had a rough game in Game 1, with only an .810 save percentage. He has a 4-3 record, a 2.81 goals-against average, and a .903 save percentage in the playoffs. Don’t rule out Filip Gustavsson getting some action in this series as well if Wallstedt continues to struggle.
For Colorado, Scott Wedgewood will likely start. His numbers took a nosedive as he allowed six goals in Game 1. He only allowed five in the entire first-round series. He has a 5-0 record, a 2.15 goals-against average, and a .920 save percentage in the playoffs.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets
After what the Avalanche showed in Game 1, they look unstoppable. Game 1’s offensive outburst should be more of a one-off, with more structured play here in Game 2. Will it be the ultimate balancer game with the least amount of goals possible? Probably not, but we will bet on the Avalanche taking a 2-0 series lead back to Minnie.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.
Best Bets
To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. For the Wild, we will pick Quinn Hughes to dance and get a nice goal. On the Avalanche side, we will pick Cale Makar to chip in with one.
Main Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
