Wild wrap up a playoff spot with 5-2 victory over the Canucks

Minnesota secures postseason berth with win over Vancouver

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:58am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game between the Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks, with the players' movements and the action on the ice broken down into abstract, angular forms in a palette of blues, greens, and reds.The Minnesota Wild's playoff-clinching victory over the Vancouver Canucks showcases the team's dynamic, high-energy style of play through a cubist, geometric lens.Vancouver Today

The Minnesota Wild clinched a playoff spot with a 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. Matt Boldy scored two goals, Kirill Kaprizov added his 40th goal of the season, and Ryan Hartman scored twice in the third period to lead the Wild to the win. The victory came just days after the Wild acquired defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Canucks in a blockbuster trade.

Why it matters

The Wild's playoff berth marks the team's second consecutive postseason appearance, as they look to build on last year's first-round exit. The win also keeps Minnesota in the hunt for a higher seed in the Western Conference, as they trail the division-leading Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche. For the struggling Canucks, the loss represents another setback in what has been a disappointing season.

The details

Boldy tied the game at 2-2 early in the second period with a wrist shot, and Kaprizov followed with the go-ahead goal just minutes later. Hartman then sealed the victory with a tip-in goal in the third period and an empty-net tally. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson made 29 saves to help the Wild bounce back from a recent loss to the Boston Bruins.

  • The Wild clinched a playoff spot on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Wild acquired defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Canucks in a trade in December.

The players

Matt Boldy

A forward for the Minnesota Wild who scored two goals in the game, including the game-tying goal in the second period.

Kirill Kaprizov

A forward for the Minnesota Wild who scored his 40th goal of the season in the second period to give the Wild the lead.

Ryan Hartman

A forward for the Minnesota Wild who scored two goals in the third period to help secure the win.

Quinn Hughes

A defenseman who was recently acquired by the Minnesota Wild in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks.

Filip Gustavsson

The goaltender for the Minnesota Wild who made 29 saves in the victory.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The Wild's playoff clinching victory showcases the team's depth and resilience, as they continue to battle for positioning in the highly competitive Western Conference. The acquisition of Quinn Hughes has bolstered their blue line, and the continued strong play of stars like Boldy and Kaprizov has the Wild poised for a deep postseason run.