NHL: Parker Kelly, Avalanche push Wild to brink with Game 4 win

Parker Kelly scored the go-ahead goal with 8:28 remaining in the third period, helping the Colorado Avalanche pull away for a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series on Monday in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson added empty-net goals in the final minute as Colorado secured a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Nazem Kadri and Ross Colton also scored for the Avalanche, while Martin Necas recorded two assists. Mackenzie Blackwood finished with 19 saves.

Danila Yurov and Nico Sturm scored for the Wild, who will look to avoid elimination when the series returns to Denver for Game 5 on Wednesday night. Minnesota goaltender Jesper Wallstedt allowed three goals on 32 shots.

The game was tied 2-2 late in the third period when Kelly forced a turnover and converted a one-timer from the slot for his first career playoff goal, giving Colorado the decisive lead.

Minnesota briefly pulled Wallstedt for an extra attacker in the final minutes, but Blackwood held firm. The Avalanche then sealed the win with empty-net goals from MacKinnon with 32.6 seconds left and Nelson with 7.3 seconds remaining.

The Wild opened the scoring on the power play with 10:14 left in the first period, as Brock Faber’s point shot was deflected in by Yurov for his first career playoff goal.

Colorado responded on the power play in the second period when Kadri converted a rebound after his initial shot was stopped by Wallstedt.

The Avalanche took a 2-1 lead early in the third period when Colton finished a cross-ice feed from Nicolas Roy.

Minnesota answered to tie the game at 2-2 when Quinn Hughes set up Sturm for a one-timer from the right circle.

MacKinnon briefly left the game late in the second period after being struck in the face by a puck but returned for the start of the third period.

— Field Level Media/Reuters