Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon makes history with pulse-pounding goal vs. Wild

The Colorado Avalanche are into the Western Conference Finals after defeating the Minnesota Wild 4-3 in overtime. The Avalanche trailed Game 5 of the Western Semis 3-0 after the first period, but water found its level, and the Presidents Trophy-winning Avalanche found their way through.

But it took some late magic from one of the world’s best hockey players in Nathan MacKinnon.

Colorado trailed 3-2 late in the third period before MacKinnon found the back of the net with 1:23 remaining. That is the latest tying goal in a potential series-clinching game in Avalanche history, per the NHL Public Relations department.

That bested Greg De Vries, who scored the game-tying goal in Game 6 of the 2003 Western Conference Quarterfinal.

The Wild came out fast, playing a heck of a first period. But from the second period on, the Avs tilted the ice in their favor. Once MacKinnon tied the game, the home crowd went bananas, and it felt like it was only a matter of time before they sent the Wild packing.

Turned out it did not take long.

Brett Kulak scored his first goal of the playoffs just under four minutes into the first overtime. Interestingly, it was Kulak’s first-ever goal for Colorado. He spent the first third of the season as a member of the Edmonton Oilers. After a trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kulak was dealt again, landing in Denver.

With the win, Colorado will await the winner of the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks series. The Golden Knights hold a 3-2 series lead with Game 6 slated for Thursday night back in Anaheim.

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