The St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild have secured their spots in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking a triumphant return for both franchises. On the evening of April 15, 2025, the Blues dominated the Utah Hockey Club with a decisive 6-1 victory, while the Wild clinched their playoff berth in dramatic fashion, defeating the Anaheim Ducks in overtime.
The Wild's journey to the postseason was anything but straightforward. After a rollercoaster season filled with injuries, Minnesota managed to clinch the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Joel Eriksson Ek played a pivotal role, scoring a crucial goal with just 22 seconds left in regulation to tie the game against the Ducks. The excitement didn't end there; Matt Boldy sealed the victory with a game-winning goal in overtime, ensuring the Wild's place in the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
As the Wild prepare for their first-round matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, they reflect on a season of highs and lows. The team started strong but faced challenges that saw them slip from contenders for the Central Division title to a wild-card position. However, the recent return of key players like Eriksson Ek and Kirill Kaprizov has reinvigorated the Wild's offensive capabilities.
Head coach Dean Evason has been impressed with the resilience shown by his squad. "We’ve had our ups and downs, but the guys have really stepped up when it mattered most," he said. The Wild's goaltending has also been a significant factor, with Filip Gustavsson achieving 30 wins for the first time in his career. His stellar .916 save percentage ranks him sixth in the NHL this season, making him a crucial asset as Minnesota aims for playoff success.
Meanwhile, the Blues' victory over Utah was a statement win. Jordan Kyrou shone brightly, netting two goals, while Pavel Buchnevich contributed with a goal and two assists. Despite losing star forward Robert Thomas to a lower-body injury early in the game, head coach Jim Montgomery reassured fans that Thomas's exit was precautionary and he is expected to be fine for the playoffs.
St. Louis is back in the postseason for the first time since 2022, and the excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. Montgomery expressed his confidence in the team's ability to compete, stating, "We’ve worked hard to get here, and we’re ready to show what we can do in the playoffs." The Blues will face a formidable opponent in the Winnipeg Jets, who finished the regular season with the Presidents' Trophy.
The playoffs are set to begin soon, with the NHL expected to announce the full first-round schedule following the conclusion of all regular season games. For fans eager to catch the action, single-game tickets for the Wild's playoff games at the Xcel Energy Center will go on sale starting April 16 at 10:00 a.m. CT. Given the high demand, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
As both teams gear up for their playoff runs, the stakes couldn't be higher. The Wild will look to avenge their previous postseason series loss to the Golden Knights in 2021, where they pushed the series to a thrilling Game 7 after being down 3-1. Meanwhile, the Blues aim to reclaim their status as a championship contender after a two-year absence from the playoffs.
With the atmosphere heating up and the stakes rising, the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs promise to deliver excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. Fans are ready to rally behind their teams as they embark on this challenging journey toward the ultimate prize in hockey.
