The Colorado Avalanche are set to play in the Western Conference Final. The schedule update provides key dates and times for the games.
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When do Avalanche play in Western Conference Final? Schedule update
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Avalanche before game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate a goal scored against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) celebrates his goal scored against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche mascot Bernie celebrates defeating the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The specific game dates for the Avalanche in the Western Conference Final have been announced in the schedule update.
The Avalanche will play their Western Conference Final games at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
The Avalanche's opponent in the Western Conference Final is yet to be specified in the schedule update.
The start times for the Avalanche games in the Western Conference Final are included in the schedule update.

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May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild fan cheers against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 05: Martin Necas #88 celebrates a first period goal with Devon Toews #7 of the Colorado Avalanche during a game against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 05: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates a goal with teammates during the first period against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 05: Nicolas Roy #10 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates a second period goal with teammates against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 05: Danila Yurov #22 of the Minnesota Wild and Ross Colton #20 of the Colorado Avalanche collide during the second period in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 05: Brock Nelson #11 and Valeri Nichushkin #13 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate as time expires during the third period against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Martin Necas (88) celebrates after scoring a goal with defenseman Devon Toews (7) against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; The Colorado Avalanche celebrate after a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) fight during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defender Sam Malinski (70) and goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild following game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak (27), defenseman Brent Burns (84) and center Brock Nelson (11) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; The Grand Casino Arena before game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) celebrates after defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) (not pictured) scores against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) enters the game against the Minnesota Wild in the second period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; The team celebrates a goal by Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (7) off a shot by right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) in the second period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nicolas Roy (10) collides with Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) and Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) exchange words in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) reacts to an empty net goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - MAY 11: Ross Colton #20 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with Brock Nelson #11 and Nicolas Roy #10 after scoring a goal against Jesper Wallstedt #30 of the Minnesota Wild during the third period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena on May 11, 2026 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) lies on the ice after during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) defends his net against the Minnesota Wildduring the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly (17) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) reaches for the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche players compete for the puck as Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) defends his net during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 13: Martin Necas #88 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates the game winning goal scored by Brett Kulak (not pictured) #27 against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 13: Brett Kulak #27 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with Josh Manson #42 after scoring the game winning goal against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild in overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 13: Martin Necas #88 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates the game winning goal scored by Brett Kulak #27 against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 13: Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the Minnesota Wild hugs Jesper Wallstedt #30 after giving up the game winning t Brett Kulak #27 of the Colorado Avalanche during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) walks out before game five against the Minnesota Wild in the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly (17) celebrates his goal with defenseman Brent Burns (84) in the second period against the Minnesota Wild in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak (27) controls the puck ahead of Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) in the third period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal with center Martin Necas (88) and center Brock Nelson (11) and ]center Nazem Kadri (91) and defenseman Brent Burns (84) in the third period against the Minnesota Wild in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) battle for the puck in the third period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Avalanche before game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Avalanche before game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate a goal scored against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) celebrates his goal scored against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche mascot Bernie celebrates defeating the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild fan cheers against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 05: Martin Necas #88 celebrates a first period goal with Devon Toews #7 of the Colorado Avalanche during a game against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 05: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates a goal with teammates during the first period against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 05: Nicolas Roy #10 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates a second period goal with teammates against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 05: Danila Yurov #22 of the Minnesota Wild and Ross Colton #20 of the Colorado Avalanche collide during the second period in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 05: Brock Nelson #11 and Valeri Nichushkin #13 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate as time expires during the third period against the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 05, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Martin Necas (88) celebrates after scoring a goal with defenseman Devon Toews (7) against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; The Colorado Avalanche celebrate after a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) fight during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defender Sam Malinski (70) and goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild following game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak (27), defenseman Brent Burns (84) and center Brock Nelson (11) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; The Grand Casino Arena before game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) celebrates after defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) (not pictured) scores against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) enters the game against the Minnesota Wild in the second period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; The team celebrates a goal by Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (7) off a shot by right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) in the second period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nicolas Roy (10) collides with Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) and Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) exchange words in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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May 9, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) reacts to an empty net goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - MAY 11: Ross Colton #20 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with Brock Nelson #11 and Nicolas Roy #10 after scoring a goal against Jesper Wallstedt #30 of the Minnesota Wild during the third period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena on May 11, 2026 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
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May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) lies on the ice after during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) defends his net against the Minnesota Wildduring the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly (17) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) reaches for the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) makes a save against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche players compete for the puck as Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) defends his net during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 13: Martin Necas #88 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates the game winning goal scored by Brett Kulak (not pictured) #27 against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 13: Brett Kulak #27 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with Josh Manson #42 after scoring the game winning goal against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild in overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 13: Martin Necas #88 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates the game winning goal scored by Brett Kulak #27 against Jesper Wallstedt (not pictured) #30 of the Minnesota Wild during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 13: Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the Minnesota Wild hugs Jesper Wallstedt #30 after giving up the game winning t Brett Kulak #27 of the Colorado Avalanche during overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 13, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) walks out before game five against the Minnesota Wild in the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly (17) celebrates his goal with defenseman Brent Burns (84) in the second period against the Minnesota Wild in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak (27) controls the puck ahead of Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) in the third period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal with center Martin Necas (88) and center Brock Nelson (11) and ]center Nazem Kadri (91) and defenseman Brent Burns (84) in the third period against the Minnesota Wild in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) battle for the puck in the third period in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Avalanche are 8-1 in the NHL playoffs and into the Western Conference Final.
The Avs beat the Wild 4-3 in overtime on May 13 to secure a 4-1 series win over division rival Minnesota.
The hard-fought series win came after a sweep of the Kings in the first round. Now the Avalanche are past the first round for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.
The Avalanche's third-round opponent is not yet known, but it will come against the winner of the Pacific Division series.
The Avs won the Central Division by beating the Wild. On the other portion of the Western Conference bracket is the Pacific battle between the Anaheim Ducks and Las Vegas Golden Knights.
The Golden Knights lead that series 3-2 and have a chance to clinch in Game 6 on May 14 (7:30 p.m. Mountain, TNT/truTV).
If the Ducks win Game 6, Game 7 would be May 16 (3 p.m. Mountain, ESPN).
The shortest the Anaheim-Las Vegas series can go is six games, which would mean a finish of that series on May 14. Therefore, the earliest the Western Conference Final could begin would be May 16.
If Anaheim-Las Vegas series goes to Game 7, the Avs wouldn't play again until May 18 at the very earliest.
The Avs will have home ice advantage, meaning Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 (Games 5 and 7 if necessary) of the seven-game series will be at Ball Arena in Denver.
The Avs won the second-round best-of-seven series 4-1 against the Wild. Here are the game scores:
The Avs won the first-round best-of-seven series 4-0 against the Kings. Here are the game scores:
Sports reporter Kevin Lytle can be found on social media on X, Instagram and Threads @Kevin_Lytle and on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Avalanche NHL playoffs schedule update after series win over Wild