In a hard-fought Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild veteran Ryan Hartman experienced a brutal introduction to playoff hockey. Despite being physically targeted, including a boarding incident that drew only one penalty against Vegas, Hartman maintained his composure. Teammate Marcus Foligno praised Hartman’s ability to keep his cool amidst the chaos, emphasizing the importance of discipline in playoffs. Wild coach John Hynes noted Hartman's strong performance, where he contributed three shots and logged over 14 minutes despite the rough treatment.

While the referees received mixed reviews, Hynes defended their performance, suggesting Wild fans shouldn't blame officiating for the 4-2 loss. The Wild, who struggled on special teams during the regular season, hope that a more physical, five-on-five game plays to their advantage as they prepare for the next matches. With roster expansions in effect, the team anticipates reinforcements, known as "Black Aces," to bolster their chances in the postseason.