Wild Turn to Gustavsson in Net as Avalanche Seek 2-0 Series Lead

Key facts

• Filip Gustavsson will make his first start of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Minnesota Wild in Game 2 against the Colorado Avalanche.
• Gustavsson last played on April 13, allowing five goals on 21 shots in a 6-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
• Jesper Wallstedt started the first seven playoff games for the Wild, posting a 4-2 record with a.924 save percentage and 2.30 GAA in the first round against the Dallas Stars.
• Wallstedt allowed eight goals on 42 shots in the Wild's 9-6 loss in Game 1 on Sunday.
• Colorado holds a 1-0 series lead after Game 1, with Game 3 shifting to Minnesota on Saturday.
• Scott Wedgewood is expected to start for the Avalanche after allowing six goals on 36 shots in Game 1; he was in the starter's crease at Tuesday's optional skate.
• Martin Necas opened the scoring in Game 2, but Kirill Kaprizov responded six seconds later to tie the game early in the first period.

A Change Between the Pipes for Minnesota

The Minnesota Wild have turned to goaltender Filip Gustavsson for Game 2 of their Western Conference second-round series against the Colorado Avalanche, hoping to even the series after a lopsided 9-6 defeat on Sunday. Gustavsson, who has not played since April 13, will make his playoff debut this season, replacing Jesper Wallstedt, who started all seven previous postseason games. Wild coach John Hynes cited the quick turnaround from the first-round series against the Dallas Stars and the need to keep both goalies engaged. "We've had two very good goalies all year long," Hynes said, emphasizing confidence in both netminders. He described Gustavsson as "hungry" to return to action after a prolonged spell on the bench. Gustavsson posted a 28-15-6 record in the regular season with a 2.69 goals-against average and a.904 save percentage. The 6-foot-2 netminder will face an Avalanche offense that scored nine goals in Game 1, the highest single-game output of any team in these playoffs so far.

Colorado Stays the Course with Wedgewood

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar has not officially confirmed his starting goaltender, but Scott Wedgewood was in the starter's crease during Colorado's optional skate on Tuesday, signaling he will make his sixth straight start. Wedgewood allowed six goals on 36 shots in Game 1, but Bednar expressed comfort in rotating between Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood if necessary. "I can't just go off conventional thinking of like, 'It's just one goalie,'" Bednar said. He noted that the team operated with a two-goalie system throughout the regular season and had success, adding that he feels comfortable turning to Blackwood at any point. "He's been good for us," Bednar stated. The Avalanche's offensive firepower has been on full display, with Martin Necas opening the scoring in Game 2 only for Kirill Kaprizov to reply six seconds later, tying the game early in the first period. That sequence underscored the high-octane pace that defined Game 1.

Game 1's Goal Barrage Sets the Tone

Sunday's Game 1 ended with a 9-6 scoreline, the highest-scoring game of the 2026 playoffs. Jesper Wallstedt faced 42 shots and allowed eight goals, while Wedgewood surrendered six on 36 shots. The Wild had won four of their first six playoff games with Wallstedt, who posted a.924 save percentage and 2.30 GAA in the first round against Dallas. Wallstedt, a rookie, had an outstanding regular season with an 18-9-6 record, a 2.61 GAA, and a.916 save percentage. His performance in the first round earned him the starting role, but the quick turnaround from the Dallas series and the Avalanche's potent offense prompted Hynes to make a change. For Colorado, the decision to stick with Wedgewood reflects Bednar's trust in his netminder despite the high goal total. The Avalanche's offense, led by Necas and Kaprizov, has been described as "the scariest offence in the league" by analysts, and their ability to score in bunches puts pressure on opposing goaltenders.

Series Context and What's at Stake

The Avalanche hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 2 taking place at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. A win would give Colorado a commanding 2-0 advantage as the series shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Saturday. The Wild are looking to avoid falling into a two-game hole, especially after losing Game 1 by a three-goal margin. Hynes's decision to insert Gustavsson is a calculated risk, aiming to spark a turnaround. Gustavsson's last outing was a loss to St. Louis on April 13, where he allowed five goals on 21 shots. Both teams have deep goaltending options: the Wild have used two goalies throughout the season, while the Avalanche have alternated between Wedgewood and Blackwood. The series could hinge on which netminder can stabilize his performance under the pressure of a high-scoring matchup.

Outlook and Adjustments for Game 2

Three key adjustments are expected to shape Game 2: Minnesota's defensive structure must tighten after allowing nine goals, Gustavsson's readiness after a long layoff will be tested, and Colorado's power play—though not a factor in Game 1—could prove decisive. The Wild will also look to contain Necas and Kaprizov, who have been central to Colorado's attack. For the Avalanche, maintaining offensive pressure while tightening defensive coverage will be crucial. Wedgewood's ability to rebound from a six-goal game will be under scrutiny, but Bednar's confidence in his goaltending tandem suggests he is prepared for any scenario. The series remains wide open, but Game 2 will provide a clearer picture of whether Minnesota's goaltending change can shift momentum or if Colorado's offense is simply too potent to contain.

The bottom line

• Filip Gustavsson starts for Minnesota in Game 2 after Jesper Wallstedt allowed eight goals in Game 1.
• Colorado's Scott Wedgewood is expected to start again, with coach Jared Bednar confident in his two-goalie system.
• Game 1 ended 9-6, the highest-scoring playoff game this year, highlighting both teams' offensive strengths.
• The series is tied 0-1, with Game 3 moving to Minnesota on Saturday.
• Martin Necas and Kirill Kaprizov each scored early in Game 2, continuing the high-paced scoring trend.
• The Wild's goaltending change is a high-stakes move to avoid a 2-0 series deficit.