DENVER (AP) — Brett Kulak scored 3:52 into overtime after Nathan MacKinnon tied it late in regulation and the Colorado Avalanche advanced to the Western Conference final with a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 on Wednesday night.
Kulak capped a wild comeback for the Avalanche, who trailed 3-0 midway through the second period. Colorado moves on to the conference final for the eighth time since relocating to Denver in 1995-96.
The Avalanche will face the winner between the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks. Vegas leads that series 3-2.
Wild's early momentum
Marcus Johansson scored 34 seconds into the game and Nick Foligno added two goals to give the Wild a 3-0 lead after the first period.
With Minnesota up 3-1, Jack Drury scored with 3:33 remaining, which set the stage for MacKinnon's goal scored with 1:23 left and Colorado's empty-net goal.
Avalanche's comeback
MacKinnon whipped a shot from the left side past Jesper Wallstedt and into the top left corner. In overtime, Martin Necas carried the puck behind the net and out front, where he found an open Kulak.
It was a rare series-ending win at home for Colorado. The last time Colorado won a series on home ice was 2008 against the Wild, when the Avalanche featured Hall of Famers Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg.
Colorado pulled Mackenzie Blackwood after the first period and inserted Scott Wedgewood, who made seven saves.
Pat Graham, The Associated Press