First Period
Early in the game, Mackenzie Blackwood made a statement with a stunning save on a Minnesota 2-on-1. Sliding hard to his right, he used his blocker to deny Marcus Johansson, keeping the game scoreless and setting the tone for a defensive battle.
Not long after, Daemon Hunt was penalized for hooking Brock Nelson, giving Colorado their first power-play chance. Cale Makar unleashed a powerful shot from the right circle, but Filip Gustavsson was up to the task, snagging it with his glove and ensuring no rebound threat. Although the Avalanche maintained some offensive pressure, they couldn't capitalize on the man advantage.
Minnesota got their first power play when Josh Manson was called for roughing. Colorado's penalty killers held strong, but Gabriel Landeskog's slash on Ryan Hartman sent them back to the penalty kill.
After a tightly contested first period, the score was locked at 0-0, with Colorado edging Minnesota in shots, 13-10.
Second Period
Seven minutes into the second period, Makar was penalized for slashing. Despite replays showing his stick contacting the puck, the call stood, much to the dismay of the home crowd. Minnesota took advantage, with Joel Eriksson Ek jamming home a rebound to break the deadlock and give the Wild a 1-0 lead.
Colorado responded at 13:30. Nathan MacKinnon carried the puck through the neutral zone and set up Necas at the blue line. Necas entered the zone and fired a wrist shot past Gustavsson, tying the game at 1-1.
The game then saw a flurry of penalties. Landeskog was penalized for elbowing Eriksson Ek, followed by Nichushkin's cross-checking and Burns' delay of game for sending the puck over the glass.
This left Colorado heavily penalized, and Minnesota took full advantage. Eriksson Ek scored again on the power play, with a shot that slipped past Blackwood, restoring the Wild's lead at 2-1.
Heading into the third period, Minnesota led 2-1, with both teams having 27 shots on goal.
Third Period
The third period was marred by controversial officiating. Zach Bogosian appeared to hook Jack Drury, an obvious infraction that went uncalled, drawing loud reactions from the Ball Arena crowd. Frustration with the referees grew as similar incidents occurred, leading to chants echoing through the arena.
Despite the officiating drama, Colorado's determination didn't falter. MacKinnon hammered a one-timer off a pass from Parker Kelly, but Gustavsson was unyielding. Sam Malinski showcased his quick release from the point, creating traffic and second-chance opportunities, yet the Wild's goalie remained steady.
As the period wore on, the Avalanche continued to pepper Gustavsson with shots. Necas, already on the scoresheet, unleashed another strong attempt destined for the corner, only to be thwarted by Gustavsson's sharp glove save.
In the end, Minnesota held on to their 2-1 lead, with Gustavsson's stellar performance in net proving to be the difference.