Fifteen goals. In a playoff game. Fifteen.
The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild 9-6 in what might be the wildest playoff game I've ever seen. This wasn't hockey - this was pond hockey. This was beer league. This was two teams saying "defense is optional" and just trading goals for 60 minutes.
And it was glorious.
Cale Makar returned from injury and immediately reminded everyone why he's one of the best defensemen in the NHL. He scored two goals in the third period, according to the AP, taking over the game when it mattered most. Nathan MacKinnon added an empty-netter to seal it.
Let's be clear: this was not good hockey. Both goaltenders should probably avoid watching the tape. The defenses looked like they were skating in quicksand. But man, was it entertaining.
When you're watching a playoff game and it's 6-6 in the third period, you throw analytics out the window. You forget about defensive structure. You just enjoy the chaos.
Colorado's offensive firepower is scary when they're clicking like this. Makar, MacKinnon, and the rest of the Avs can score in bunches. But they're also giving up goals in bunches, and that's a problem when you face tighter defensive teams down the road.
Minnesota battled. They kept coming back, kept scoring, kept the pressure on. But ultimately, when Makar is healthy and playing at this level, the Avalanche are almost impossible to beat in a track meet.
This game will be talked about for years. Fifteen goals in a playoff game? That doesn't happen. Goalies are supposed to tighten up in the postseason. Defense is supposed to win championships.
Not last night. Last night was pure offensive madness.
Colorado advances, but they need to figure out their defensive issues. You can't give up 6 goals in the playoffs and expect to win a Cup. Eventually, you'll run into a team that can defend and score, and that's when the shootouts become losses.
But for one night, we got to witness playoff hockey at its most chaotic, most unpredictable, most fun.
Nine to six. In the playoffs.
That's what sports is all about, folks.
