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last wk.

Minnesota Wild Secure Playoff Spot with Dramatic OT Victory

Joel Eriksson Ek's late equalizer and Matt Boldy's overtime goal clinch first wild-card spot, marking a fitting farewell for retiring goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

Anaheim Ducks' Isac Lundestrom (21) clears the puck as Winnipeg Jets' Cole Perfetti (91) and Alex Iafallo (9) look on during first period NHL action in Winnipeg on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
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Overview

  • Joel Eriksson Ek scored with 20.9 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, ensuring the Wild earned the point needed to clinch their playoff berth.
  • Matt Boldy netted the game-winning goal 17.9 seconds into overtime, sealing a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in the Wild's regular-season finale.
  • Retiring goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was subbed in for overtime, making five key saves in his likely final regular-season appearance, including during a 4-on-3 penalty kill.
  • The Wild overcame a season riddled with injuries to key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek, rallying late in the season to secure the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
  • Minnesota will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the playoffs, entering as underdogs after going winless in three regular-season matchups against them.