Colorado Avalanche stun Minnesota Wild to reach Western Conference final
Brett Kulak scored an overtime winner as the Colorado Avalanche completed a dramatic three-goal comeback against the Minnesota Wild to win 4-3 and advance to the Western Conference final.
The home side trailed 3-0 midway through the second period before launching an astonishing late fightback in Denver.
Star forward Nathan MacKinnon forced overtime by scoring with the net empty just 83 seconds from the end of regulation time.
Kulak then sealed the series victory 3:52 into the extra period after collecting a clever pass from Martin Necas.
Stunning fightback secures progression
Things looked bleak early on for the hosts as they conceded three times in the opening period.
Marcus Johansson opened the scoring after just 34 seconds, before Nick Foligno struck twice to give the visitors a commanding lead.
The disastrous start prompted a change in net, with Scott Wedgewood replacing Mackenzie Blackwood and stopping all seven shots he faced in relief.
The deficit remained until the dying stages, when Jack Drury finally breached Jesper Wallstedt’s net with 3:33 remaining.
Echoes of 2008 as next opponents await
MacKinnon’s ensuing equaliser completed the turnaround and set the stage for Kulak to send the hometown crowd into raptures.
This marks the eighth time the franchise has reached the conference final since relocating to Colorado ahead of the 1995-96 season.
It is also their first series-clinching victory on home ice since eliminating the very same opposition in 2008.
During that memorable run 16 years ago, the roster still featured Hall of Fame legends Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg.
The Avalanche will now face either the Vegas Golden Knights or the Anaheim Ducks for a place in the ultimate showpiece.
The Golden Knights currently hold a narrow 3-2 series advantage in that respective matchup.