Dallas Stars' Miro Heiskanen is not expected to play in Game 1 of the playoffs, but there is hope for his return during the series. Meanwhile, Thomas Harley and Esa Lindell were healthy scratches, indicating confidence in their condition. Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers confirmed that Mattias Ekholm will sit out the first round, while Trent Frederic's status remains uncertain for Game 1. Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman are expected to be ready, but Connor McDavid was rested as a precaution. Quinton Byfield left a previous game with an injury, while the Minnesota Wild's Jared Spurgeon shows signs of recovery.

Zeev Buium, the Minnesota Wild's rookie defenseman, brings a unique background and impressive collegiate success as he transitions to the NHL. After winning an NCAA championship with the University of Denver, he opted to leave college hockey early, signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Wild after being a key player in the Frozen Four.

Coach John Hynes praises Buium's readiness for the NHL, especially as the Wild face injury challenges on their blue line. Buium, the highest-scoring defenseman in college hockey, aims to make a significant impact as the team pushes for a playoff spot. His journey, including daily trips from San Diego for hockey practice, adds to his compelling narrative as he hopes to realize his dream of playing in the NHL.

The Minnesota Wild faced a crucial game against the Calgary Flames, aiming to secure a playoff spot while putting the Flames on the edge of elimination. Despite a recent offensive surge, Minnesota struggled significantly, falling 4-2. Rookie goalie Dustin Wolf of Calgary showcased resilience with only 16 saves required. The Wild's inability to align with their identity, emphasized by coach John Hynes, proved detrimental as they struggled to generate shots and capitalize on power play opportunities. Captain Jared Spurgeon’s injury added to their woes, complicating their playoff aspirations.

In a game marked by missed chances and defensive lapses, the Flames capitalized with timely goals from Mikael Backlund and Yegor Sharangovich. The Wild's efforts were thwarted, despite late goals that narrowed the margin. The defeat leaves Minnesota needing to regain momentum quickly as they head into the final games, while Calgary remains hopeful of making a late-season push for the playoffs.

On April 9, 2025, NHL DFS enthusiasts have a thrilling slate to consider with key fantasy picks to optimize their lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel. Notably, Andre Vasilevskiy stands out as a top goalie pick, facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at a price of $8,000 across both platforms. His potential for a significant point haul due to the matchup makes him a must-have.

At center, Max Domi is priced at $3,300 on DraftKings and $4,500 on FanDuel and is crucial for the Leafs, especially as they battle for playoff positioning. His ability to dodge tougher defensive matchups increases his scoring opportunities. Blake Coleman, with solid recent performances, is a recommended winger against the Anaheim Ducks. Jared Spurgeon is the defenseman to watch, bringing consistent shooting against the San Jose Sharks.

Matt Boldy showcased his scoring prowess with two goals and an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a 6-3 victory over the New York Islanders. The Wild mounted a comeback by scoring five unanswered goals after falling behind 3-1, with Boldy playing a pivotal role. Marco Rossi, Frederick Gaudreau, Yakov Trenin, and Marcus Foligno also contributed to the scoreboard for Minnesota, who increased their winning streak to five out of seven games. Jared Spurgeon aided with two assists, while Filip Gustavsson made a solid 30 saves in goal.

The Islanders, despite a strong start with two goals from Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson, couldn't maintain their lead. Sorokin faced a barrage of shots and ended the game with 27 saves. The loss marked New York's third defeat in four games after a seven-game winning streak.