Tension boiled during an NHL playoff game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild. And this time, not only the players but also an official was affected. 

Late in the game, during a fight after the whistle, someone accidentally hit the referee. The Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild played Game 2 of Round 2 on May 5, 2026. In the third period, when Colorado led 3–1, a fight started between Parker Kelly and Matt Boldy.

Both players threw punches at each other. During the fight, a referee attempted to intervene, but Kelly accidentally punched him in the face. The referee did nothing wrong, but he still got hit by mistake. Kelly did not do it on purpose, but he may still face consequences.

As reported by the Mirror US, Now, Kelly will attend a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety. Even accidental contact with a referee can lead to punishment. If he gets suspended, it could hurt the Avalanche in the rest of the series.

Parker Kelly played an important role for the Colorado Avalanche this season. He scored 21 goals and recorded 35 points in 82 games.

This is not the first time Parker Kelly and Matt Boldy have been in a tense match this year. They also faced each other in the Winter Olympic gold medal final at the Milano-Cortina Games. Boldy scored in that game, and the USA won 2–1 in overtime.

Fights like this are common in the NHL. But a referee getting hit is unusual. That is why this incident went viral. However, the Colorado Avalanche still had a good time.

The Colorado Avalanche have won both games in Round 2 Till Now

As of now, the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild have played two games in Round 2. The Avalanche has won both games and leads the series 2-0. Thankfully, even if Kelly misses the game or two, the team has the momentum and can manage in the next game. 

They won Game 1 by 9-6, and Game 2 by 5-2. So it was a complete domination by the Presidents’ Trophy winners. They also won the first round of the playoffs quite convincingly by 4-0 against the Los Angeles Kings.

Now, the focus will be on Game 3, which will take place on May 09, 2026 (Saturday).

Read more at NHL Fan Central!

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi