Wild are in the playoffs

(St. Paul, MN/Minnesota News Network) — The Minnesota Wild are back in the playoffs following a 3-2 overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks at the Xcel Energy Center. Joel Eriksson Ek scored to tie the game with under 30 seconds left in regulation, and Matt Boldy scored the game-winner in O-T. Marcus Johansson also lit the lamp in the victory. The Wild will take on Vegas in the First Round of the playoffs. Alex Killorn and Sam Colangelo both scored in the losing effort. The Ducks wrap up their season against Winnipeg on Wednesday.

(St. Paul, MN/Minnesota News Network) — The Minnesota Wild announced a new multi-year partnership with Xcel Energy. As part of the new agreement, Xcel Energy will continue to be a major community and business partner of the Minnesota Wild. The existing arena naming rights agreement with Xcel Energy will conclude this summer after a successful 25-year partnership. As part of the new partnership, Xcel Energy will launch the “Community Power Play” and work closely with the Minnesota Wild Community Relations and Hockey Partnerships team to expand access to the sport for children and families throughout the State of Hockey. The program will provide grants to youth and high school hockey organizations, with a focus on three areas: Financial assistance for young athletes who may face barriers to the sport; purchase of equipment and ice time, making the sport more affordable for families; investments and improvement of local rinks and facilities open to all community members. Xcel Energy will also continue to have a presence in the team’s arena and online platforms. The Minnesota Wild expects to announce a new arena naming rights partner before the start of the 2025-26 N-H-L season.