Joel Eriksson Ek's return from injury has come at a pivotal moment for the Minnesota Wild as they prepare to face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the playoffs. Eriksson Ek, who has been a critical two-way force for the Wild, has demonstrated that he thrives under pressure, evidenced by his performance since returning. The 28-year-old center, who has a history of impactful playoff appearances, will be expected to lead the Wild's top line against Vegas star Jack Eichel.

During the regular season, Eriksson Ek showcased significant offensive growth, scoring 14 goals and 15 assists in just 46 games, which would have translated to a potential 20-goal season had he remained healthy. His return to the lineup strengthens the Wild's chances as they look to avenge their previous playoff loss to the Golden Knights in 2021.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off with 16 teams vying for the most coveted trophy in sports, featuring a blend of elite talent and exciting matchups. Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning stands out as a key player, having led the league in points this season. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews is crucial for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with the team aiming to overcome a historical playoff drought. The Florida Panthers, facing depth issues, acquired Brad Marchand to bolster their lineup. Iconic scorer Alex Ovechkin, even at 39, remains a formidable presence for the Washington Capitals. The Carolina Hurricanes will rely on Sebastian Aho, while the New Jersey Devils' hopes hinge on goalie Jacob Markstrom following Jack Hughes' injury. Players like Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators and Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens could also play vital roles as the tournament unfolds.

The Minnesota Wild face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, following a remarkable comeback to secure a wild-card spot. After battling injuries that plagued their season, the Wild are now bolstered by the return of key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. Capable of shifting the series' momentum, Kaprizov was once a Hart Trophy candidate before his injury, and Eriksson Ek has shown resilience with a clutch goal that secured their playoff berth.

On the other side, the Golden Knights, who topped the Pacific Division, boast a potent offense led by Jack Eichel, enjoying the most productive season of his career with 94 points. Vegas also has a strong defensive core, led by Alex Pietrangelo, crucial for their Cup aspirations. The matchup promises to be intense as both teams bring their competitive spirit to the ice, aiming to advance deeper into the playoffs.

The Vancouver Canucks' disappointing season culminated in a 4-1 loss against the Vegas Golden Knights, effectively sealing their fate of missing the playoffs for the eighth time in ten years. Despite the loss, Canucks captain Quinn Hughes expressed frustration over the team's performance, reflecting on the lost potential from a year that began with high hopes. The Golden Knights, with Pavel Dorofeyev leading the charge, secured their playoff position, showcasing a strong team performance.

Jack Eichel returned from injury to be a key contributor for Vegas, while the Canucks' struggles were exacerbated by injuries to their stars, including Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko. Despite winning six individual awards this season, Hughes's focus on the team's overall failure highlights a difficult off-season ahead for Vancouver. Coach Rick Tocchet, who had a stellar previous season, now faces intense scrutiny as the Canucks aim to rebuild and re-establish themselves in the league.

Pavel Dorofeyev's 35th goal of the season propelled the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks in their regular-season finale. The Knights, now holding the second seed in the Western Conference, showcased strength despite resting some starters. Jack Eichel made a notable return, scoring after a four-game absence due to injury. Victor Olofsson contributed with a goal and an assist, while Cole Schwindt celebrated his first NHL goal. Vancouver's Pius Suter managed to score, but the team's playoff hopes were dashed earlier in the week.

As the Golden Knights prepare for the playoffs against the Minnesota Wild, it’s worth noting their dominance over Vancouver this season, winning all four matchups. The Canucks, however, finished the season in the Pacific Division's fifth spot, marking yet another year without playoff action.