Wild beat Ducks 3-2 in playoff tuneup

Rookie Jesper Wallstedt makes 35 saves in Minnesota's regular season finale

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:55am

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A cubist-style painting featuring angular, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and white, representing the players and action of a hockey game in a fragmented, multi-perspective composition.A cubist interpretation of the Wild's playoff tuneup victory over the Ducks, capturing the dynamic energy and fractured perspectives of the game.Today in Nashville

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in their final regular season game, with rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt making 35 saves. Hunter Haight scored his first career NHL goal, while Danila Yurov and Robby Fabbri also found the back of the net for the Wild. Mason McTavish scored both goals for the Ducks, who have clinched a playoff spot despite a late-season slump.

Why it matters

This game served as a playoff tuneup for both teams, with the Wild resting several regular starters to give younger players like Haight an opportunity. Wallstedt's strong performance could earn him a role in the Wild's postseason goaltending rotation alongside Filip Gustavsson.

The details

The Wild jumped out to a 3-0 lead, with Haight, Yurov, and Fabbri all scoring. McTavish scored twice for the Ducks, including a late goal to make it a one-goal game, but Wallstedt and the Wild defense held on for the victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The Ducks clinched a playoff spot on the previous night, Monday, 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.

Hunter Haight

A Minnesota Wild player who scored his first career NHL goal in the game.

Mason McTavish

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

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What’s next

The Wild will face the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs, starting on the road on Saturday or Sunday. The Ducks will conclude their regular season with a game against the Nashville Predators on Thursday.

The takeaway

This game showcased the depth and development of the Minnesota Wild, with a strong performance from rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt and a goal from young forward Hunter Haight. The Ducks, despite clinching a playoff spot, have struggled late in the season and will look to rebound in the postseason.