April 4 would have marked the start of the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. When the NHL season suddenly postponed, the Minnesota Wild just came off a 5-4 (OT) win against Anaheim, sat in fifth place of the Central Division and were looking at potentially making the playoffs. Much like the team, the city of St. Paul was buzzing with hopes of hosting what would have been Minnesota’s 10th playoff appearance in franchise history.
However, we’ll find out later in April if the NHL plans on resuming the season. Until then, reminisce on these Minnesota Wild first-round playoff series that usually have the Capital City talking all things hockey around this time of the year:
2002/2003 Western Conference Quarterfinals vs. Colorado Avalanche
- First playoff run in third year as a franchise
- Richard Park scores game-winning sudden death goal to force game 7
- Minnesota Wild wins series 4-3
2008/2009 Western Conference Quarterfinals vs. Colorado Avalanche
- Wild finish first in Northwest Division
- Four players had 50 or more points: Gaborik (83) Bouchard (63) Rolston (59) Demitra (54)
- Minnesota Wild loses series 2-4
2013/2014 Western Conference Playoffs vs. Colorado Avalanche
- Defeated the Central Division champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games in the first round
- Nino Niederreiter scores game-winning OT goal to win series
- The Wild fell to the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round, losing in game six on an overtime goal by Patrick Kane. It was the Wild’s first (and only) loss at home of the 2014 post-season
2014/2015 Western Conference Playoffs vs. St. Louis Blues
- 15th season in franchise history
- The Minnesota Wild finished as the Western Conference’s first wild card, earning 100 points
- This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams
- Minnesota eliminates St. Louis in game six with another 4–1 victory, as Dubnyk made 30 saves and Zach Parise scored two goals
The Minnesota Wild might be in the playoff mix if the NHL does decide to switch to a 24-team playoff bracket. The Wild rank 10th in the Western Conference in points which leave them just outside the postseason. However, a 24-team format would give them the chance to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and back in St. Paul. My point is that we miss playoff hockey.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS