Round 2 Game 2 Preview: Can Colorado stay perfect?

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 03: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against Nico Sturm #78 of the Minnesota Wild. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

After a (excuse the pun) wild game one, resulting in a 9-6 Colorado win, the Avalanche take on the Minnesota Wild for the rematch in game two tonight in what hopes to become a commanding lead in this pivotal central division series.

Colorado Avalanche

In game one, we were able to see exactly what Colorado was capable of when not playing a strong, slow, defensive game with an opponent, as they did with the LA Kings in round one. They were able to play their fast, transition game that they love to play, and were able to flaunt their offensive talent against a very good Wild team. Now, that being said, game one was also very likely an extreme outlier for both teams in this series, and the expectation is that you’re likely not getting another game with 15 goals total in it. Tonight, the Avs will hopefully be more mindful of their defensive structure and not allow opposing players to stand completely unmarked in front of the net for some easy goals. I suspect that they will be better about that aspect of their game, as they were also coming off a very long break heading into that first game. No lineup changes are expected but secrecy is high this time of year.

Projected Lineup

Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Ross Colton – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Gabe Landeskog – Nazem Kadri – Nic Roy
Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Logan O’Connor

Devon Toews – Cale Makar
Brett Kulak – Sam Malinski
Brent Burns – Nick Blankenburg

Scott Wedgewood
Mackenzie Blackwood

Minnesota Wild

One of Minnesota’s greatest strengths in round one, their goaltending, was certainly under siege in game one, with Jesper Wallstedt giving up nine goals in the game. However, to reiterate, it’s very reasonable to assume that Wallstedt allowing nine goals was an extreme outlier, given how well he’s played in the playoffs till this point. Nonetheless, Filip Gustavsson is starting tonight for the Wild over Wallstedt, so Colorado will get a look at a different goalie altogether tonight. If Minnesota can score like they were able to in game one, they’ll likely be able to keep pace with the Avs and remain competitive again.