The Colorado Avalanche knew their offense would be more explosive in this series than it was against the Los Angeles Kings. They talked about it for a week. But nobody—not even head coach Jared Bednar—could have predicted the wild, high-scoring affair that unfolded on the ice.

"It was the opposite of what we thought it would be," said Nazem Kadri, who netted the game-winner. Cale Makar, fresh off a two-goal performance, echoed that sentiment, calling it "a weird game" three times in his post-game press conference.

The Avalanche exploded for nine goals against a Minnesota Wild team that prides itself on a well-rounded, defensive game. Eight of those goals came past Jesper Wallstedt, a goaltender who has only allowed more than four goals six other times in his career—and never eight before tonight.

On the other side of the ice, Scott Wedgewood was better, but not by much. The Avalanche netminder surrendered six goals for just the second time since joining the team. He still walked away with the victory, but you can bet he'll be sharper in Game 2—much sharper.

"It wasn't his best," Bednar admitted. "But honestly, on the defensive side of things, it was probably no one on our team's best. I group him in with the rest of the squad. We have to get better, and we'll do that for Game 2. He gave us a chance to win tonight."

The coach added perspective: "Their goalie played amazing in the Dallas series, and he let in a bunch tonight, too. Most of what we're dealing with isn't exclusive to us. They'll be going through the same things and trying to improve. I'm sure both teams will be better defensively come Game 2, and we'll keep pushing offensively the same way we have."

One bright spot: Devon Toews, who has quietly elevated his game since the Olympic break. He scored two goals tonight and now has 11 points in 24 games during that stretch—still below his usual offensive production, but a clear sign he's finding his postseason rhythm.