Minnesota is on the smallish/ thin side. Dallas bruised em up pretty well in that series, but lacked the line depth to complete the job.
Colorado has pummeled everyone with their size & depth for the past 10 years. It isn't helping matters that the refs have allowed a handful of boarding moments go uncalled. Last night's game the 3rd period hit mackinnon put on boldy should have been a boarding call. There were a few others these 1st 2 games. The key on boarding as a penalty is when the player is far enough from the boards that a hit from behind sends the player head first, bending his neck against the boards. If the player is closer. The head hits the plexiglass and his own body weight isn't putting more force on the neck. Boarding is a penalty bc it's dangerous. Watch boldy go down. He's lucky it's not a neck injury.

https://www.reddit.com/r/wildhockey/comments/1t50l6k/mackinnon_boards_boldy_appears_to_be_ok/

Boldy was face down on the ice for 10-20 seconds.
In defense of refs, cup playoffs are "let em play" officiated. Except. The wilds play has been called tight. Including the high stick earlier in the period that featured the avs player taking a dive soccer style.
I didn't like all the holding/ interference that went uncalled in the Dallas series. We are getting more of the same in the current series.

It is a tall task for any team to take it to the avs. The wild knew it was going to be a near impossible & highly improbable job. So? Yes, Wild defensemen are pressing the zone trying to score.

The avs are many teams kryptonite. The wild have never had much success vs them.
The avs own the stingiest defense, by far (203 ga)- in the nhl. Carolina has a pretty good d as well. (240 ga)... The wild have also only allowed 240 goals. 240 is tied for 3rd fewest goal allowed. Dallas was #2 with 226.

Compounding matters. The avs also carry the #1 offense into the cup chase. 302 gs. The only team to go over 300 goals this season.

#1 offense & #1 defense.... And hitting the tourney healthy?
It was/ is a very tall mountain to climb. It's like taking on the chiefs a few years back before the cap started to break up their dominance.

I think the finals will be Colorado vs Carolina. Only the avs can bring themselves down. But they look to be on a mission.