SPORTS

Avs, Wild set for competitive second-round series Sunday

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Denver — The Colorado Avalanche will host the Minnesota Wild in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs starting Sunday at Ball Arena, after the Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings in the first round and the Wild clinched their series against the Dallas Stars in six games. Denver's matchup follows a 2-1-1 regular-season split between the clubs and multiple past playoff meetings in 2003, 2008 and 2014; Marcus Foligno called it "another big battle" and coach Jared Bednar noted the need for players to engage. The Wild arrive following a bruising series, while the Avalanche are rested after a week off.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2003: Wild made first franchise playoff appearance and faced Avalanche in opening round.
2008: Avalanche and Wild met in a six-game playoff series with Colorado prevailing.
2014: Wild defeated Avalanche in a seven-game first-round series.
2025-26 regular season: Colorado and Minnesota split head-to-head 2-1-1.
April 2026: Minnesota beat Dallas in six games; Colorado swept Los Angeles; second-round series begins Sunday in Denver.

Why This Matters to You

This series is a big deal for hockey fans, especially if you're rooting for the Avalanche or the Wild. It's a chance to relive past rivalries and see how the teams have evolved. If you're a sports bettor, this could be an exciting matchup to watch and wager on.

The Bottom Line

The Avalanche are coming in rested, while the Wild are fresh off a tough series. Both teams have a history of intense playoff battles. It's anyone's game. If you're a hockey fan, you won't want to miss this. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves a good sports rivalry.