The Minnesota Wild are gearing up for the playoffs with a roster more intact than usual, despite a season plagued by injuries. Defensemen Jon Merrill and Declan Chisholm have been healthy scratches recently, a decision that coach John Hynes acknowledges is tough but necessary for team depth. With Jake Middleton back and rookie Zeev Buium making history with his playoff debut, Hynes emphasizes the importance of having multiple capable defensemen for a successful playoff run.

During the regular season, players like Devin Shore provided depth but faced competition as injured stars Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek returned. Hynes believes that a well-rested team coming off a grind of a March can strike the right balance heading into their first playoff game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Wild have qualified for the playoffs for the 14th time, reflecting a determined effort to navigate both injury challenges and a competitive postseason.

Marc-Andre Fleury showcased a stellar performance with 19 saves, securing his first shutout of the season as the Minnesota Wild triumphed over the Montreal Canadiens 4-0. This game likely marks Fleury's final appearance in Montreal, his hometown, where he was cheered on by over 100 friends and family. The 40-year-old goaltender, who plans to retire after the season, now holds a total of 76 career shutouts, with three achieved at the Bell Centre. The Wild continued their winning streak on this five-game road trip, having previously defeated the Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The scoring was spread across the team, with Liam Ohgren and Devin Shore netting their first goals of the season, while Marco Rossi contributed a goal and an assist. Frederick Gaudreau capped off the scoring with an empty-net goal. On the other side, Jakub Dobes stopped 23 shots for the Canadiens, who struggled to keep pace with the Wild.

Marc-Andre Fleury delivered an outstanding performance, securing a 19-save shutout as the Minnesota Wild triumphed over the Montreal Canadiens 4-0, likely marking his final game in Montreal. The 40-year-old goalie, who hails from nearby Sorel, Quebec, received heartfelt ovations from over 100 friends and family members present at the Bell Centre. The Wild put on a solid display, with goals from Marco Rossi, Devin Shore, and Liam Ohgren, along with an empty-netter from Frederick Gaudreau. This victory marks Minnesota's third consecutive win, highlighting Fleury's impressive form this season.

The Canadiens struggled to generate offensive momentum, suffering their fourth consecutive loss after a promising stretch of ten wins in thirteen games. Jakub Dobes, despite a solid performance with 23 saves, faced overwhelming pressure from the Wild, who dominated the game by limiting scoring opportunities for Montreal. Key players, such as Kaiden Guhle, were absent, further hampering the team's efforts. As the season nears its end, Fleury is set to retire, leaving behind a legacy as one of the NHL's premier goaltenders.

In an emotional evening in Montreal, Marc-Andre Fleury recorded a 19-save shutout as the Minnesota Wild defeated the Canadiens 4-0. The game marked what is expected to be Fleury's final appearance at the Bell Centre, where he received numerous ovations from a crowd filled with over 100 friends and family. The Wild showcased a strong performance with goals from Marco Rossi, Devin Shore, and Liam Ohgren, as well as an empty-netter by Frederick Gaudreau, extending their winning streak to three games. Fleury's season record improved to 11-5-1, adding to his legacy as he prepares for retirement. The Canadiens, struggling with injuries and losing streaks, could not capitalize on their scoring opportunities, including a missed chance by Juraj Slafkovsky hitting the post. The team faces mounting challenges without key players like Kaiden Guhle.

Fleury's career culminates in a season filled with milestones, including his third shutout at the Bell Centre. With this victory, he also solidified his historical record against Montreal, boasting a 13-6-5 all-time regular-season record in the city. The Wild now look ahead to their matchup against the Ottawa Senators, while the Canadiens prepare for a three-game California trip.

The Minnesota Wild have announced roster changes ahead of their upcoming game against the Nashville Predators. Superstar Kirill Kaprizov has been placed on Long-Term Injury Reserve (LTIR) due to a lower-body injury sustained on December 23, although he is eligible to return soon. Marcus Johansson has been placed on injured reserve following a concussion. In a move to strengthen their lineup, the Wild recalled Brendan Gaunce, Liam Ohgren, and Devin Shore while sending Ben Jones to Iowa.

Despite the injury setbacks, there is optimism as Brock Faber, Jared Spurgeon, and Jakub Lauko practiced on Friday, with Lauko expected to play on Saturday. Kaprizov's absence is significant, having recorded 23 goals and 27 assists in 34 games this season. The Wild will aim to secure a win against the Predators, bolstered by the recent call-ups.