The Minnesota Wild are down. © APA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

Despite a 3-0 lead: Minnesota is eliminated

Germany's national ice hockey player Nico Sturm and the Minnesota Wild were eliminated in the second round of the NHL playoffs.

14 May 2026

From: dpa

The team of the German runners-up at the 2023 World Championships lost 3-4 in overtime to the Colorado Avalanche despite leading 3-0. Minnesota had only managed one win in five games. Sturm thus missed his chance at a third Stanley Cup after 2022 and 2025.

The Saint Paul team got off to a fantastic start, thanks in part to two assists from Sturm, and led by three goals after the first period. The Augsburg native particularly showcased his skill with his second assist for Nick Foligno, finding his teammate with one knee on the ice.

The Colorado Avalanche turned up the heat. © APA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

But Colorado, the best team of the regular season, narrowed the gap in the second period thanks to Parker Kelly and actually managed to tie the game in the final minutes. In overtime, Brett Kulak then sparked ecstasy among the fans in the Ball Arena. Colorado's next opponent will be determined in the game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks. Las Vegas currently holds a 3-2 lead in that series.