The Colorado Avalanche are back at Ball Arena tonight for a pivotal Game 2 against the Minnesota Wild, with puck drop set for 6:08 pm MT on ESPN. After a historic offensive explosion in Game 1, the Avs have a golden opportunity to grab a commanding 2-0 series lead before the action shifts to Minnesota.

Game 1 was an absolute thriller, with the Avalanche shattering a franchise record by pouring in nine goals in a playoff game. While they also allowed six, the performance gave the team plenty to build on. The much-anticipated matchup between star defensemen Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes lived up to the hype, though Makar clearly had the edge. He notched two goals and an assist, while Hughes countered with a goal and two helpers of his own.

The Wild are shaking things up between the pipes. Filip Gustavsson will make his first postseason start of the year, stepping in after Jesper Wallstedt surrendered eight goals on 42 shots in Game 1. That's a stark contrast to Wallstedt's previous three games against Dallas, where he allowed just six total.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar is keeping his cards close to the vest regarding personnel, including the starting goalie. However, all signs point to Scott Wedgewood getting the nod once again. Defenseman Jack Ahcan was spotted during the optional skate, giving Colorado an extra option if Josh Manson remains sidelined. The team also got a major boost when Bednar confirmed he doesn't expect Makar to miss any time after the defenseman shook off a first-period injury to score twice.

Minnesota faces its own injury challenges. The Wild will once again be without Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin, and head coach John Hynes indicated there will be game-time decisions on the rest of the lineup.

For the Avalanche, the projected lines look strong: Artturi Lehkonen alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, followed by Ross Colton with Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin. Gabriel Landeskog centers Nazem Kadri and Nicolas Roy, while Parker Kelly, Jack Drury, and Logan O'Connor round out the fourth line. On defense, Devon Toews pairs with Makar, Brett Kulak with Sam Malinski, and Nick Blankenburg with Brent Burns.