Quinn Hughes vs. Cale Makar and four more takeaways after Avalanche eliminate Minnesota Wild | NHL Insider
Denver Gazette • • sports
Key Points:
- The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild in five games to advance to the Western Conference final, earning a two-day rest before facing the winner of the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks series.
- Key injuries to the Wild, including the absence of top center Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin, significantly impacted their performance, while the Avalanche benefited from securing the top seed and an easier first-round matchup.
- Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, despite battling a shoulder injury, was a defensive standout compared to Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes, who struggled defensively against Colorado’s top players.
- Colorado’s depth proved crucial, with contributions from deadline additions Nazem Kadri and Nicolas Roy, as well as strong performances from the fourth line, compensating for some offensive shortfalls.
- Goaltending is expected to continue with Scott Wedgewood for Colorado in the conference final, as Mackenzie Blackwood showed inconsistency in recent games for the Wild.