The Minnesota Wild take on the Colorado Avalanche for Game 2 of the Western Conference Second Round. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
How to Watch Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche on May 5, 2026
You can watch the Colorado Avalanche take on the Minnesota Wild live on ESPN with DIRECTV on May 5, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET.
Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche — Game Preview
The Colorado Avalanche host the Minnesota Wild in Game 2 of the Western Conference Second Round at Ball Arena, looking to take a commanding 2-0 series lead after a 9-6 victory in the opener two days ago. Colorado has been the most dominant team in the Western Conference all season, winning the Presidents’ Trophy with 55 wins, and their offensive firepower was on full display in a wild Game 1.
Nathan MacKinnon, who won the Rocket Richard Trophy with 53 regular-season goals, is the central figure in an Avalanche attack that can score in waves. Minnesota needs a sharper effort from goaltender Jesper Wallstedt tonight after the Wild were unable to contain Colorado’s offense in a high-scoring Game 1, and Kirill Kaprizov will need to lead the way offensively if the Wild are going to even this series.
The Colorado Avalanche lead the series 1-0.
National TV
ESPN
What Time is the Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild Game Today?
The Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche game starts at 8:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche?
You can watch Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche on ESPN and NHL® CENTER ICE®.
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche — 2026 Playoffs Series Schedule
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Venue | TV | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | May 3, 2026 | 9:00 PM | Ball Arena — Denver, CO | ESPN | Colorado 9, Minnesota 6 |
| Game 2 | May 5, 2026 | 8:00 PM | Ball Arena — Denver, CO | ESPN | — |
| Game 3 | May 9, 2026 | 9:00 PM | Xcel Energy Center — St. Paul, MN | TNT | TBD |
| Game 4 | May 11, 2026 | TBD | Xcel Energy Center — St. Paul, MN | ESPN | TBD |
| Game 5* | May 12, 2026 | TBD | Ball Arena — Denver, CO | TNT | TBD |
| Game 6* | May 15, 2026 | TBD | Xcel Energy Center — St. Paul, MN | ESPN | TBD |
| Game 7* | May 17, 2026 | TBD | Ball Arena — Denver, CO | TNT | TBD |
Players to Watch: Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche
Minnesota Wild
Kirill Kaprizov — LW. Leads Minnesota with nine points in the playoffs and has been the Wild’s most dangerous attacker throughout the postseason. Kaprizov needs a big Game 2 to help the Wild erase the 1-0 series deficit, and his ability to create offense at both five-on-five and on the power play gives Minnesota its best chance of competing with Colorado’s deep forward corps.
Jesper Wallstedt — G. Posted a .924 save percentage in a strong first-round performance and has emerged as one of the NHL’s most promising young goaltenders. Tonight is a step up in difficulty against MacKinnon’s line, and how Wallstedt responds to a Denver crowd and an Avalanche group looking to bury this series will define Minnesota’s chances.
Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon — C. Led the NHL with 127 points and won the Rocket Richard Trophy with 53 goals in the regular season. MacKinnon is simply the best player in the Western Conference and operates at a pace that consistently overwhelms opposing defenses. He was at the center of everything Colorado did in a 9-6 Game 1 win.
Cale Makar — D. Two-time Norris Trophy winner (2022, 2025) who controls the game from the blue line better than anyone in hockey. Makar generates offense, manages the power play and provides elite defensive coverage — a complete defenseman at the peak of his powers going into a critical Game 2 at home.
What is the Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche Series Record?
The Colorado Avalanche lead the series 1-0 after a 9-6 victory in Game 1 on May 3 in Denver, a high-scoring opener in which Colorado’s offensive depth proved too much for Minnesota to contain over 60 minutes.
Injury Report: Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
Joel Kiviranta (RW) — Questionable, not skating as of May 3
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