Brett Kulak delivered the series-clinching goal in overtime for the Colorado Avalanche, securing their spot in the western conference final. The 32-year-old defenseman, who journeyed from the Edmonton Oilers to the Pittsburgh Penguins and finally to Colorado at the trade deadline, averaged 19 minutes per game for the league-leading Avs. In Game 5, Minnesota jumped to a 3-0 lead, but Colorado rallied with Kulak’s secondary assist in the second period and his eventual winner nearly four minutes into overtime.
This victory caps a resilient comeback for the Avalanche, who now await their next challenger. Kulak, not typically an offensive force, notched his first playoff goal and second of the season in a defining moment. The series showcased Colorado’s depth, with Nathan MacKinnon tying the game late in regulation.
Fans can catch up on the latest second-round developments in this detailed update from our blog.
Colorado Avalanche punch ticket to western conference final
The Avalanche’s path to this point has been marked by high-scoring affairs and defensive grit. Game 1 saw an explosive 9-6 win over Minnesota, followed by a 5-2 triumph in Game 2. The Wild stole Game 3 5-1 at home, but Colorado responded with a 5-2 victory in Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead.
Game 5 lived up to the drama, with Minnesota’s early dominance testing Colorado’s resolve. Parker Kelly’s goal, assisted by Kulak, sparked the comeback, and MacKinnon’s clutch tie set the stage for overtime heroics. Kulak’s shutdown style translated into offensive magic, underscoring his value since joining the Avs.
This advance positions Colorado as favorites in the west, leveraging their regular-season dominance. For a full breakdown of the second-round schedule and results, check out our comprehensive recap.
The series highlighted Minnesota’s fight, led by stars like Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes, but Colorado’s firepower prevailed. Expect the Avs to carry this momentum forward.
May 14 playoff slate: Two crucial games
Thursday’s schedule features two pivotal second-round contests, both broadcast nationally. Game 5 between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres tips off at 7 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, and TVAS. Montreal visits Buffalo with the series tied after four games.
BetMGM lists Montreal at +100 (2.00) and Buffalo at -120 (1.83), reflecting a tight matchup. Game 1 went to Buffalo 4-2, but Montreal responded with a 5-1 rout in Game 2. Buffalo evened it in Game 3 (Buffalo 2, Montreal 6); Game 4 Buffalo 3, Montreal 2.
Later at 9:30 p.m. ET, Game 6 pits Vegas Golden Knights at Anaheim Ducks on the same channels plus SN360. Vegas leads 3-2 after a 3-2 OT win in Game 5.
Anaheim sits as -110 favorites (1.91) with Vegas even at -110 (1.91) per BetMGM. The series has seesawed: Vegas won Game 1 3-1, lost Game 2 1-3, dominated Game 3 6-2, fell 3-4 in Game 4, then stole Game 5.
These games could decide conference final spots. Full details available on the NHL’s second-round schedule page.
Series standings overview
Several series have reached critical junctures or conclusions:
Buffalo Sabres (A1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (A3)
- Game 1: Montreal 2, Buffalo 4
- Game 2: Montreal 5, Buffalo 1
- Game 3: Buffalo 2, Montreal 6
- Game 4: Buffalo 3, Montreal 2
- Game 5: Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes (M1) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (M3)
- Game 1: Philadelphia 0, Carolina 3
- Game 2: Philadelphia 2, Carolina 3 (OT)
- Game 3: Carolina 4, Philadelphia 1
- Game 4: Carolina 3, Philadelphia 2 (OT)
Carolina sweeps into the next round with overtime wins sealing the deal.
Colorado Avalanche (C1) vs. Minnesota Wild (C3)
- Series: Colorado wins 4-1
Vegas Golden Knights (P1) vs. Anaheim Ducks (P3)
- Game 1: Anaheim 1, Vegas 3
- Game 2: Anaheim 3, Vegas 1
- Game 3: Vegas 6, Anaheim 2
- Game 4: Vegas 3, Anaheim 4
- Game 5: Anaheim 2, Vegas 3 (OT)
- Game 6: Thursday, May 14, 9:30 p.m.
These standings reflect intense competition across conferences.
Top playoff performers
The postseason has produced standout contributions:
- Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights: 16 points, 11 games T-2. Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights: 15 points, 11 games T-2. Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild: 15 points, 11 games T-2. Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild: 15 points, 11 games T-5. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche: 13 points, 9 games T-5. Matt Boldy, Minnesota Wild: 13 points, 11 games
Vegas stars lead the pack, fueling their series lead. MacKinnon’s efficiency shines in fewer games. These players have defined their teams’ successes.
Minnesota’s duo of Kaprizov and Boldy kept them competitive despite the loss. Expect these names to dominate headlines moving forward.
Golden Knights goaltending key to success
Vegas has leaned on stellar netminding amid offensive fireworks from Marner and Eichel. Their ability to steal games, like the OT win in Game 5, underscores this strength. Anaheim must solve this puzzle in Game 6 to force a seventh.
Colorado’s depth mirrored this balance, with Kulak emerging unexpectedly. Carolina’s sweep highlighted similar poise.
As playoffs intensify, goaltending often decides series. Vegas holds an edge here.
What it means moving forward
With Colorado advancing and two series on the brink, the conference finals loom large. A Buffalo or Montreal winner faces Carolina in the east; Vegas or Anaheim meets the Avs in the west. Betting odds suggest close calls, but home ice could sway outcomes.
Fans should tune in for high stakes on May 14. The path to the Stanley Cup grows clearer, promising more thrills. Stay locked on The Hockey News for ongoing coverage and odds via BetMGM.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.