Minnesota at Colorado

Minnesota did all it could to keep pace with Colorado in Game 1, leading 5-4 late in the second, but they couldn't slow down the relentless Avalanche, who roared back to win, 9-6. Minnesota is on the road again and will be shorthanded, without Joel Eriksson Ek (fifth on the team in points and in scoring) and defenseman Jonas Brodin. During the regular season, Minnesota allowed the fifth-most shots on goal and was 16th in penalty killing. Colorado put up 43 shots and nine goals on a Minnesota defense that was fourth in goals allowed. Colorado ranked No. 1 in goals given up (2.40 per game), save percentage (.914), and in penalty killing, while the offense was No. 1 in goals scored (3.63 per game). Counting the postseason, Colorado is 29-9-6 on home ice. Play Colorado.