Colorado opens the second round against a surging Minnesota Wild team fresh off ending an 11-year playoff series drought, setting up a high-intensity Western Conference clash between Presidents’ Trophy dominance and renewed postseason belief.

Key defenseman Jonas Brodin out for Round 2 opener. Joel Eriksson Ek's status is questionable as the Wild face Colorado.

Vladimir Tarasenko (Minnesota Wild) with a Goal vs. Dallas Stars, 04/30/2026

Avalanche superstar Cale Makar and Minnesota Wild’s Quinn Hughes have often been regarded as the two best defensemen currently in […] The post Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes Go Head-to-Head for First Time in Playoffs appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

Rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt defied expectations, leading the Wild past their playoff curse with a dominant, series-stealing performance that stunned even his coach.