Ducks Clinch Playoff Spot Despite Loss to Wild

Minnesota rests starters, gets strong performance from rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into overlapping, angular shapes in muted tones of blue, green, and gray.The Ducks' return to the playoffs after a four-year absence is tempered by their late-season struggles and a potential first-round clash with the dominant Avalanche.Anaheim Today

The Anaheim Ducks clinched their first Stanley Cup playoff berth since 2018 on Monday, despite losing 3-2 to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night. The Wild, who have already secured a playoff spot, rested several regular starters and gave rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt a chance to audition for postseason playing time, as he made 35 saves in the victory.

Why it matters

The Ducks' return to the playoffs after a four-year absence is a significant milestone for the franchise, though their late-season struggles have them in danger of falling to the second wild-card spot and a first-round matchup with the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche.

The details

Mason McTavish scored both goals for the Ducks, but it wasn't enough to overcome Minnesota's balanced attack. Danila Yurov, Robby Fabbri, and rookie Hunter Haight, playing in just his eighth NHL game, provided the scoring for the Wild. Wallstedt, who is second in the league in save percentage, continued his strong play by allowing just two goals on 37 shots.

  • The Ducks clinched their playoff spot on Monday when Nashville lost to San Jose.
  • The Ducks and Wild played their regular season finale on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Jesper Wallstedt

A rookie goaltender for the Minnesota Wild who made 35 saves in the team's regular season finale, auditioning for a potential playoff role.

Mason McTavish

A forward for the Anaheim Ducks who scored both of his team's goals in the loss to Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“Jesper has really stepped up for us down the stretch and given us a lot to think about for the playoffs.”

— Dean Evason, Head Coach, Minnesota Wild

“It's great to be back in the playoffs, but we know we have more work to do to get ready for the challenge ahead.”

— Trevor Zegras, Forward, Anaheim Ducks

What’s next

The Ducks will await their first-round playoff opponent, which could be the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche if Anaheim falls to the second wild-card spot.

The takeaway

The Ducks' return to the playoffs is a positive step for the franchise, but their late-season struggles have them in danger of drawing a daunting first-round matchup against the dominant Avalanche team. Meanwhile, the Wild used the regular season finale to evaluate their goaltending depth ahead of the postseason.