Wild Aim for Playoff Spot in Must-Win Match Against Ducks

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild will look to clinch a playoff berth today as they host the Anaheim Ducks at Xcel Energy Center. This final regular season matchup is critical for Minnesota, who can secure a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a victory over Anaheim. The game is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET.

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Currently, the Wild hold a record of 44 wins, 30 losses, and 7 overtime losses, totaling 95 points, which places them 4th in the Central Division. The Ducks, meanwhile, sit at 35-37-8 with 78 points, ranking 6th in the Pacific Division. Minnesota has dominated the series this season, winning the first two matchups decisively, outscoring Anaheim 10-3 overall.

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Kirill Kaprizov leads the Wild’s offensive charge with 6 points in the series, while Marco Rossi follows closely with 5 points. Both Brock Faber and Matt Boldy have contributed significantly as well, each recording 3 points. In goal, Filip Gustavsson is unbeaten against Anaheim in the series, boasting a 1.50 goals-against average and a .952 save percentage.

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The Wild are coming off an overtime victory against the Vancouver Canucks, where they overcame a 2-0 deficit in the third period. A quick goal from Faber sparked the comeback, leading to the eventual game-winner scored by Mats Zuccarello. Minnesota’s resilience and capability of rallying from behind demonstrates their readiness for today’s high-stakes game.

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For the Ducks, the challenges continue as they look to stop a three-game road losing streak. Their previous game ended in a frustrating 4-2 loss against the Colorado Avalanche, a match where they led 2-0 before conceding four third-period goals. Despite a promising start, their lapses in defense have been a recurring theme, making the Ducks eager to finish the season on a strong note.

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“We need to focus on holding leads and making solid plays as a team,” said Anaheim Coach Dallas Eakins. “Our young talent has a lot to prove in these last games.”

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With Minnesota aiming for a playoff spot and Anaheim focused on evaluating its roster for next season, both teams have their sights set on the win from different perspectives. The stakes are high for the Wild, who are looking not only to secure a playoff position but to gain momentum heading into postseason play.

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The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and promises to be an electrifying encounter, with both teams fighting for different objectives as the regular season comes to a close.