INJURY REPORT
Minnesota Wild
Kirill Kaprizov (LW) — Probable, minor lower‑body soreness
Joel Eriksson Ek (C) — Probable, shoulder tightness
Jared Spurgeon (D) — Out, long‑term back recovery
Filip Gustavsson (G) — Probable, illness monitoring
Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon (C) — Probable, minor maintenance
Mikko Rantanen (RW) — Probable, upper‑body soreness
Cale Makar (D) — Questionable, lower‑body tightness
Pavel Francouz (G) — Out, knee recovery
TEAM RECORDS (2026 SEASON TO DATE)
Minnesota Wild
Record: 0–1
Goal Differential: -2
Opening Game: Lost 4–2 to Colorado
Special Teams: PP 0/3, PK 2/3
Colorado Avalanche
Record: 1–0
Goal Differential: +2
Opening Game: Won 4–2 vs. Minnesota
Special Teams: PP 1/4, PK 3/3
RECENT TEAM FORM (CONTEXT)
Minnesota Wild
Looked competitive in opener but struggled with defensive zone exits
Kaprizov generated chances but lacked finishing support
Penalty kill inconsistent
Goaltending solid but not spectacular
Colorado Avalanche
Top line looked dominant in opener
Depth scoring contributed early
Defensive structure strong even without full health
Georgiev sharp in net
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Kirill Kaprizov (MIN) vs. Cale Makar / Devon Toews (COL)
Kaprizov created multiple high‑danger chances in Game 1
Colorado’s elite defensive pair limits time and space Edge: Colorado
2. Joel Eriksson Ek (MIN) vs. Nathan MacKinnon (COL)
Eriksson Ek is Minnesota’s best shutdown center
MacKinnon’s speed was a major problem in the opener Edge: Colorado
3. Matt Boldy (MIN) vs. Colorado’s Second Pair
Boldy needs to drive secondary scoring
Colorado’s depth defense is solid but beatable Edge: Even
4. Goaltending: Gustavsson (MIN) vs. Georgiev (COL)
Gustavsson was good but not game‑stealing
Georgiev looked locked in Edge: Colorado
SERIES HISTORY
2025–26 Season Series: Colorado won 3–1
Last 10 Meetings: Avalanche lead 7–3
At Ball Arena: Avalanche have won 5 straight
Colorado’s speed and transition game consistently trouble Minnesota.
BETTING TRENDS
Minnesota Wild
2–6 in last 8 road games
Under is 4–2 in last 6
1–6 in last 7 vs. Colorado
Colorado Avalanche
7–3 in last 10 home games
Over is 5–3 in last 8
6–1 in last 7 vs. Minnesota at home
