The postseason format the NHL brought back with the divisional realignment for the 2013-14 season to intensify the first round and double down on regional rivalries has occasionally proved controversial. This year will be no different.
Hunter Haight got his first career goal and rookie Jesper Wallstedt auditioned for action in the playoffs with 35 saves as the Minnesota Wild finished their regular season by beating the Anaheim Ducks 3-2.
Jesper Wallstedt let in a goal on a power play against the Minnesota Wild in the first period, looked up at the scoreboard to quickly analyze the replay, and realized something wasn’t right.
Just wait until the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are playing in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. They set quite a tone in a preview that came with a week left in the regular season. The Central Division foes were already locked into a first-round matchup.
Vladimir Tarasenko scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist, and the Minnesota Wild twice benefited from replay reviews in a 5-2 victory over the skidding Seattle Kraken.
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