SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Interstat) — The Colorado Avalanche look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead when they face the Minnesota Wild on Saturday in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series at Grand Casino Arena. Colorado (61-27) has dominated the series through two games, outscoring Minnesota 14-8 after posting a 9-6 victory Sunday and a 5-2 win Tuesday. The Avalanche swept the two games in Denver and now aim to extend their success on the road, where they have been nearly as formidable. Minnesota (50-40) returns home desperate to halt Colorado’s momentum. The Wild dropped both games at Ball Arena but have shown offensive punch, scoring six goals in Game 2. However, defensive lapses have plagued them, as Colorado’s high-powered attack exploited gaps repeatedly. Players to watch: Colorado center Ross Colton has been a steady contributor in the playoffs. He recorded an assist and a hit in Game 2 and added an assist and a shot on goal in Game 1. Colton has points in two of his past five games and brings physical presence to the Avalanche’s bottom six. Minnesota forward Marcus Johansson scored a goal on four shots in Game 2, continuing his recent surge. He has two goals in his past three games and recorded five shots on goal in a Game 5 win over Dallas on April 25. Johansson’s versatility on the wing will be critical as the Wild try to generate offense against a deep Colorado defense. Series history: The Avalanche have won four of the past six meetings between the teams, including a 5-1 victory in Minnesota on Dec. 21. The Wild’s most recent home win came via a 3-2 shootout on Nov. 28. Minnesota has not defeated Colorado in regulation at Grand Casino Arena since Feb. 26, a 5-2 Wild win. Upcoming: The series continues with Game 4 on Monday in Saint Paul. If necessary, Game 5 returns to Denver on Wednesday. The Avalanche can clinch with a win Saturday and a victory in either of the next two contests. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. Central.