The Minnesota Wild watched a promising night unravel in painful fashion after blowing a 3-0 lead against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 5. Minnesota controlled the opening period and appeared ready to extend the series, but Colorado’s pace and pressure gradually shifted the game.
As the Avalanche stormed back and eventually won 4-3 in overtime, attention turned to the Wild’s top players and their inability to respond late in the game. That scrutiny intensified around Kirill Kaprizov, whose quiet finish to the series became one of the biggest talking points after Minnesota’s elimination.
Kirill Kaprizov Faces Criticism After Quiet Finish in Wild’s Elimination Loss
Kaprizov entered the postseason carrying major expectations after signing his massive 8-year, $136 million extension. While he still finished with 15 playoff points, criticism erupted after his performance in the Wild’s elimination loss against Colorado, especially after he failed to register a single shot on goal.
One particular moment of criticism came midway through overtime. Kaprizov carried the puck into the offensive zone with an opening to shoot, but instead attempted a pass toward Matt Boldy. Boldy missed the one-timer completely, and Colorado immediately transitioned the other way before Brett Kulak buried the series-winning goal off a Martin Necas setup.
This sequence triggered strong reactions from several NHL voices on X. NHL reporter Jeff Wald criticized Kaprizov’s passive approach, writing on X, “Kaprizov not having a single shot on goal in an elimination game is unacceptable if you’re the Minnesota Wild. You’re one of the best and highest-paid players in the league. Play like it, be selfish.”
The frustration centered less around production totals and more around the lack of assertiveness during the biggest moments of the game. Kaprizov recorded one assist during Minnesota’s explosive first period, but Colorado largely neutralized him afterward as the Avalanche dominated possession over the final two periods and overtime.
Podcaster Ryan Stanzel also highlighted the concern by posting, “Kaprizov did not register a shot on net in an elimination game.”
Judd Zulgad went further and questioned Kaprizov’s overall impact late in the series. Zulgad wrote, “This is remarkable. We will be bombarded with 97 defenders screaming about the analytics but his ineffectiveness in the final two games was alarming. He also had one takeover game out of 11. Greatness should be the expectation. He fell short. OK apologists, do your thing.”
The criticism became louder because Kaprizov now carries the NHL’s richest contract entering the 2026-27 season. His extension includes a $17 million annual cap hit and $128 million in signing bonuses, placing him under even heavier expectations during playoff moments.
KEEP READING: Canucks Insider Disputes Claim Behind Brock Boeser Rooting Against Quinn Hughes in Minnesota Vs. Colorado Series
Minnesota coach John Hynes instead focused on Colorado’s execution after the loss, especially Nathan MacKinnon’s late tying goal. Hynes said, “It was a heck of a shot by an unbelievable player,” while noting that Minnesota had its defensive coverage in place before MacKinnon found the opening.
Still, after another postseason exit, the spotlight remains fixed on whether Kaprizov can consistently take over games when the Wild need him most. The Wild’s contention window is just opening, but as the man with the richest contract in the league, Kaprizov will be expected to show up and show out over the next few years.
