Avalanche Rally from 3-0 Down to Beat Wild 4-3 in OT

DENVER — Brett Kulak scored 3:52 into overtime to give the Colorado Avalanche a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 on Wednesday night at Ball Arena, completing a stunning comeback from a three-goal deficit and advancing Colorado to the Western Conference Final.

The Avalanche trailed 3-0 after the first period, sparked by Marcus Johansson's goal just 34 seconds in and two from Nick Foligno. Colorado coach Jared Bednar pulled goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood after the period and turned to Scott Wedgewood, who stopped seven or eight shots in relief. Parker Kelly trimmed the lead to 3-1 in the second period.

The turning point came late in regulation. With Minnesota ahead 3-1, Jack Drury scored with 3:33 remaining to make it 3-2. Nathan MacKinnon then tied the game with 1:23 left, whipping a shot from the left side past Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt into the top left corner. In overtime, Martin Necas carried the puck behind the net before finding Kulak open in front for the series-clinching goal.

It marked Kulak's fourth career playoff goal and his first game-winner in 115 days. After the game, the 32-year-old defenseman shared a personal highlight. "My daughter's birthday...