John Hynes has transformed the Minnesota Wild into a resilient team through a challenging season marked by injuries, including surgery for star Kirill Kaprizov. His leadership style emphasizes accountability and mental toughness, as he instills a mindset that separates winners from losers. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Wild enter the best-of-seven series against the Vegas Golden Knights with newfound confidence and a healthy roster for the first time in months. Hynes' approach combines humor with serious coaching, fostering a strong team dynamic that prepares them for high-pressure situations.

The Minnesota Wild will kick off their 2025 NHL playoff campaign at 9 p.m. CT on Easter Sunday, facing the Vegas Golden Knights. After a grueling regular season where they clinched their playoff spot in the final moments, the Wild are looking to shift their mindset from previous years where they entered the playoffs too relaxed. Forward Marcus Foligno believes their recent pressure-filled games will prove beneficial. The Wild finished with a challenging record against the Golden Knights, losing all three regular-season matchups, but they hope that having extra rest will tip the scales in their favor.

Head coach John Hynes, who has a mixed playoff history, noted the importance of adapting to the playoff atmosphere, especially with nerves expected in Game 1. He emphasized that the ongoing competition they’ve faced will serve them well. The playoff series is set to be a best-of-seven, with the first four games scheduled. With the right mentality and strategic preparation, the Wild aim to advance beyond the first round this time.

The Minnesota Wild are grappling with offensive struggles as they edge closer to the playoff picture, significantly affected by the absence of key players Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. Their recent performance has seen them score an average of just 2.1 goals per game, highlighting the uphill battle they face to reach the crucial three-goal mark, often needed for victory. With only seven games remaining, the team's mentality is to stay positive and maintain relentless pressure, as evidenced in their recent shootout loss against the New Jersey Devils.

Despite their difficulties in scoring at even strength—averaging 1.5 goals without power plays—the Wild have shown resilience on the defensive end, buoyed by players like Jonas Brodin and solid goaltending from Filip Gustavsson. Players like Matt Boldy and Marcus Foligno have embodied the team's 'head down and keep working' ethos, crucial as they navigate the final stretch of the season while hoping for a playoff berth.

The Minnesota Wild faced off against the New Jersey Devils, falling 5-2 despite a valiant effort to recover from an early deficit. Nico Hischier dominated, netting a hat trick, while Jacob Markstrom secured 22 saves for the Devils. The Wild's scoring came from Marcus Foligno and Ryan Hartman, but they struggled to convert on power plays, particularly in crucial moments. Filip Gustavsson made 28 saves but couldn't hold off the Devils' aggressive offensive play. The loss marks Minnesota's third in four games as they prepare for an upcoming road trip.

Matt Boldy shone brightly as he powered the Minnesota Wild to a thrilling 6-3 victory over the New York Islanders, contributing two goals and an assist. The Wild showcased their depth with goals from Marco Rossi, Frederick Gaudreau, Yakov Trenin, and Marcus Foligno, marking their fifth win in the last seven outings. Despite a strong effort from the Islanders, led by Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson, the Wild's comeback was fueled by a three-goal flurry in just over five minutes in the second period, overturning a 3-1 deficit.

Filip Gustavsson had a solid game in goal, making 30 saves, while Jared Spurgeon added two assists to his stat line. The Islanders, who are currently struggling after a hot streak, saw their effort fall short, despite notable performances from Anders Lee and Maxim Tsyplakov.