In a tightly contested matchup against the Minnesota Wild, the Colorado Avalanche fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 in a shootout. Despite the loss, the Avs maintain a three-point lead over the Wild in the Central Division, a crucial positioning that could prove vital as the season progresses. Joel Kiviranta scored late to force overtime, marking his fourth straight game with a goal, showcasing his emergence as a key depth scorer for Colorado.

However, the game was not without its challenges. A critical mistake by Martin Necas led to Minnesota's opening goal, highlighting the need for sharper decision-making as the playoffs approach. The Avalanche have depth to spare since the recent trade deadline, prompting coach Jared Bednar to navigate roster rotations judiciously, perhaps to keep players fresh down the stretch.