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Minnesota (1-3) at Colorado (3-1)
- When: May 13 2026, 8:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: TNT
Minnesota vs Colorado NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Colorado -225
Spread: Colorado -1.5 (+117)
Total: 6.5
Minnesota Wild Betting Breakdown
The Wild return to Denver facing elimination after a disappointing 5-2 loss in Game 4 pushed them into a dangerous 3-1 series deficit. Minnesota has built a reputation over the years for surviving playoff adversity against Colorado, but this challenge feels steeper considering the current injury situation.
The absence of Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin continues creating major problems. Neither player traveled with the team for Game 5, leaving Minnesota without one of its top defensive defensemen and a key center who impacts both ends of the ice.
Minnesota showed its potential in Game 3 when it controlled play physically and forced Colorado into mistakes, but that aggressive identity completely disappeared in Game 4. Forward Matt Boldy admitted afterward the Wild failed to play the style that made them successful earlier in the series.
The Wild still have offensive talent capable of making this competitive, but the defensive structure has become inconsistent. Colorado’s speed through the neutral zone continues exposing Minnesota’s lack of depth, especially without Brodin stabilizing the blue line.
Special teams could become the difference again. Minnesota capitalized on a power-play opportunity Monday after Josh Manson received a double minor penalty, but the Wild need more sustained offensive pressure at even strength if they hope to extend the series.
Minnesota’s playoff history against Colorado proves this team will not quit easily, but the margin for error now feels extremely thin on the road.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Breakdown
Colorado heads home with complete control of the series and confidence growing with every game.
The Avalanche improved to 7-1 this postseason after another balanced performance in Game 4, and now they sit one victory away from advancing while potentially closing out a playoff series at home for the first time in nearly two decades.
Nathan MacKinnon continues driving Colorado’s offense despite taking a puck directly to the face late in the second period Monday night. MacKinnon never missed a shift and later sealed the win with an empty-net goal, which perfectly summarizes the toughness and confidence currently surrounding this Avalanche roster.
Colorado also received a strong performance from goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, who stopped 19 of 21 shots in his first postseason start this year. Blackwood made several critical saves during the third period and appears likely to receive another opportunity in Game 5.
The Avalanche continue showing impressive depth despite dealing with injuries of their own. Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski remain day-to-day, but Colorado’s system and roster depth have allowed the team to handle missing pieces effectively throughout the postseason.
Colorado’s biggest advantage remains speed and transition play. Once the Avalanche generate momentum offensively, Minnesota has struggled containing their pace over extended stretches.
Playing at home only strengthens that edge, especially with Denver’s altitude and playoff atmosphere becoming increasingly difficult for opponents to manage late in games.
NHL Playoffs Betting Prediction
Colorado simply looks like the more complete team entering Game 5. The Avalanche hold the edge offensively, defensively, and in overall depth, while Minnesota continues battling major injuries that are becoming impossible to ignore.
The Wild have shown resilience before, but Colorado’s current form makes another comeback feel unlikely. MacKinnon and the Avalanche offense should continue generating quality chances against a depleted Minnesota lineup.
The puck line 1.5 (+117) also carries value considering Colorado has already won two games in this series by multiple goals.
Score Prediction: Avalanche 4, Wild 2
Pick: Colorado -1.5 (+117)
Total: Under 6.5 (-115)
- NHL Playoffs Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
