The Minnesota Wild are gearing up for the playoffs with a roster more intact than usual, despite a season plagued by injuries. Defensemen Jon Merrill and Declan Chisholm have been healthy scratches recently, a decision that coach John Hynes acknowledges is tough but necessary for team depth. With Jake Middleton back and rookie Zeev Buium making history with his playoff debut, Hynes emphasizes the importance of having multiple capable defensemen for a successful playoff run.

During the regular season, players like Devin Shore provided depth but faced competition as injured stars Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek returned. Hynes believes that a well-rested team coming off a grind of a March can strike the right balance heading into their first playoff game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Wild have qualified for the playoffs for the 14th time, reflecting a determined effort to navigate both injury challenges and a competitive postseason.

The Minnesota Wild are gearing up for a challenging rematch against the Edmonton Oilers, still reeling from injuries that have sidelined key players. Coach John Hynes reported that while progress is being made, the return of these injured athletes is uncertain. The Wild are currently missing top defenders Brock Faber and Jonas Brodin, as well as forwards Kirill Kaprizov and Jakub Lauko. Kaprizov, a front-runner for the league MVP before his injury, has been out for nine games, adding to the Wild's offensive woes.

Despite their struggles at home, where they hold a mediocre record of 11-9-1, the team remains hopeful. The Oilers, who previously handed the Wild a devastating 7-1 loss, are on a roll, having picked up significant points in their last ten games. The Wild are focusing on tightening their gameplay and exploiting their home advantage to counteract the Oilers’ high-scoring capabilities.

In a remarkable performance, Marc-Andre Fleury made 36 saves, leading the Minnesota Wild to a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks despite being short-handed. This win marked the Wild's fifth victory in their last six games, even without their star player Kirill Kaprizov. Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy each netted their 16th goals of the season, positioning the Wild with a comfortable 2-0 lead in the second period.

Mats Zuccarello played a crucial role, assisting on both Rossi and Boldy's goals, and later sealing the game with an empty-netter. The Sharks managed to get on the scoreboard with William Eklund's goal late in the second period, but they were unable to overcome the deficit. The Wild's defense was put to the test, facing 37 shots, but Fleury's experience shone through as he earned his third consecutive win.

Nathan MacKinnon propelled the Colorado Avalanche to a decisive 6-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild, contributing a goal and a league-leading 53rd assist this season. The win showcased the Avalanche's offensive prowess, with Mikko Rantanen and Logan O’Connor each adding a goal and an assist, while Ross Colton, Parker Kelly, and Artturi Lehkonen also found the net. Mackenzie Blackwood stood strong in goal, making 24 saves, while the Wild struggled to capitalize on their chances.

Colorado's offensive onslaught began in the second period when MacKinnon set up Rantanen for a well-placed wrist shot, extending their lead to 2-1. The Avs scored three goals in a quick succession during the third period, with MacKinnon securing a goal assisted by Rantanen. The Avalanche, despite a previous loss, appeared dominant against a depleted Wild team missing key players like Kirill Kaprizov.