The Minnesota Wild's season ended in painful fashion, as they lost 4-3 in overtime to the Colorado Avalanche in Game 5 on Wednesday, thus eliminating them from the playoffs. The way that they lost was brutal, as they blew a 3-0 lead after the first period, and watching the game go to overtime after a Nathan MacKinnon tying goal with over a minute left in regulation. That then allowed the Avalanche to carry the momentum into overtime, resulting in a Brett Kulak game-winner.
The Avalanche were always going to be a tough elimination for the Wild, considering they are the President's Trophy winners. But it doesn't help when one of your best players pulls a disappearing act when it matters most.
Kirill Kaprizov is set to have the richest contract in NHL history once it officially kicks in this offseason. Yet, in Game 5 in a win-or-go-home contest, Kaprizov didn't register a single shot on goal.
Kirill Kaprizov didn't log a single shot on goal in must-win Game 5 for Wild
Fans of any team would never be happy to see their star player go without a shot on goal in a must-win game. For the Wild fanbase. it might sting even worse.
In overtime, the Wild had a two-on-one opportunity to score a goal. Kaprizov, instead of shooting the puck on net, decided to pass it across ice. The decision backfired, as the Avalanche quickly raced into Minnesota's zone, and seconds later, Kulak buried a shot past Jesper Wallstedt for the win.
Kaprizov passing here instead of shooting sets the series-clinching sequence in motion, really tough one for the Wild after coming out so strong tonight pic.twitter.com/bBuvch9omU
— Shayna (@shaynagoldman_) May 14, 2026
While we get Kaprizov trying to go for the cross ice pass to try and split the goalie, it turned out to be incredibly costly. Let's not forget that entering the playoffs, Kaprizov showed he can put the puck in the back of the net with ease, scoring 47 goals in the regular season.
Kaprizov not only put up zero shots on goal in Game 5, but he also only recorded one shot in Game 4.
Kaprizov was slated to be one of the big free agents this summer in what was a stacked class. Before the start of the regular season, Wild general manager Bill Guerin managed to get Kaprizov to sign a contract extension. The deal was for eight-years, worth $136 million, making it the richest contract in NHL history. With those financial figures, the pressure was on for Kaprizov. Hence why fans are understandably frustrated that he was a non-factor on offense in a win-or-go-home game.
While it stings that the season is over, the Wild could use this as a learning experience for next season in their hopes of finally winning their first Stanley Cup title. But for Wild fans, they hope that Kaprizov will step up in clutch situations.
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