Overview

• The Minnesota Wild secured a playoff berth after defeating the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in overtime during their regular-season finale at Xcel Energy Center.
• Matt Boldy scored the decisive goal in overtime, while Joel Eriksson Ek tied the game in the final moments of regulation to ensure the Wild earned the needed point.
• This marks the Wild's return to the playoffs after a one-year absence, overcoming a season disrupted by significant injuries, including a long-term absence of star Kirill Kaprizov.
• Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek returned in the final stretch of the season, contributing key performances that helped the team clinch the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
• Rookie defenseman Zeev Buium, the 2024 12th overall draft pick, is set to make his NHL debut as the Wild prepare to face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the playoffs.