Wild Clinch Playoff Spot in Thrilling OT Win Over Ducks
ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Wild secured a dramatic playoff berth Tuesday night with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Anaheim Ducks, highlighted by Joel Eriksson Ek’s game-tying goal in the final seconds of regulation and Matt Boldy’s overtime winner.
The Xcel Energy Center crowd roared twice—first as Eriksson Ek knotted the game with just 20.9 seconds left, then again when veteran goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, set to retire after this season, took the net for the extra period. Fleury delivered a vintage performance, making five saves, including on a crucial 4-on-3 power play.
With their goalie pulled for an extra attacker, the Wild made their final push. Boldy threaded a perfect pass across the crease to Eriksson Ek, who had his first attempt stopped by Anaheim goalie Lukas Dostal. But the Wild forward jammed home the rebound for his 14th goal of the season.
Despite already being eliminated from playoff contention, the Ducks (35-37-9) made it a fight. Rookie Sam Colangelo gave Anaheim a 2-1 lead midway through the third, while Alex Killorn also scored and Dostal stood tall with 37 saves.
Marcus Johansson scored Minnesota’s first goal, and with the win, the Wild (45-30-7) locked in the Western Conference’s first wild card spot. They’ll face the Vegas Golden Knights in the opening round of the playoffs.
The game also marked the NHL debut of rookie center Tim Washe, signed Monday from national champion Western Michigan. He skated on the fourth line in his first pro appearance.
Minnesota has fought through recent injuries to stars like Kirill Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek, both of whom returned April 9. Despite a rocky 5-5-2 stretch to close the season—with just one win in regulation—the Wild did just enough to punch their ticket to the postseason.
The Ducks briefly stole momentum late when defenseman Jake Middleton, back from injury, was caught out of position. Mason MacTavish took advantage, feeding Colangelo for a smooth backhand finish past Filip Gustavsson on a 2-on-1.
Still, history was on Minnesota’s side—the Wild have now won 18 of their last 19 matchups with Anaheim.
Up Next:
Anaheim wraps up its season Wednesday in Winnipeg. Minnesota’s playoff opener in Vegas is set for this weekend, with puck drop expected Saturday or Sunday.
