Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars exemplifies the structured habits many NHL players adopt to prepare for games. His routine includes a two-hour nap, a specific meal of pasta and salmon, and reviewing pregame notes. This habitual framework helps players enter the right mindset, whether it involves their dressing order or warm-up methods. Other players like Pavel Dorofeyev and Mikko Rantanen also share culinary preferences that reflect their game-day rituals, emphasizing the importance of comfort food.

Furthermore, the psychological aspects of these routines are notable. Players like Scott Wedgewood engage in specific on-ice actions before each period, while coaches such as Pete DeBoer have their own pregame traditions. Such rituals, while sometimes seen as superstitions, are core to their game-day preparations, ensuring they maintain focus and readiness for performance.

The NHL playoffs intensify as several series reach critical junctures. The Ottawa Senators face the Toronto Maple Leafs in a tightly contested series, currently led by the Maple Leafs 3-2. After a strong 6-2 win in Game 1, the Senators responded with a 4-0 victory in Game 5. The Florida Panthers lead their matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-1, showcasing a dominant performance in Game 4.

Meanwhile, the Capitals are a game away from eliminating the Canadiens after a strong series, with Game 5 approaching. The New Jersey Devils, however, were ousted by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games, despite a spirited effort in Game 3. In the west, the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets are locked at 2-2 in a tight series, while the Dallas Stars lead the Colorado Avalanche 3-2, with both teams showing their resilience. The Golden Knights hold an edge over the Minnesota Wild, also leading 3-2. The playoffs are heating up with potential game-deciding clashes coming soon.

The Minnesota Wild faced a critical playoff battle against the Vegas Golden Knights, losing 3-2 in a gut-wrenching overtime, which puts them on the brink of elimination. Brett Howden scored the decisive goal, capturing a series lead for Vegas at 3-2. Despite the emotional setback, Wild coach John Hynes expressed confidence in his team's resolve, noting they were competitive throughout the game. Starting goalie Filip Gustavsson was forced to leave due to illness, and Marc-Andre Fleury stepped in for the final period and overtime but could not stave off the loss. Minnesota, however, saw goals from Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, who continued to maintain a strong playoff scoring pace.

The game was marked by a significant moment when a potential go-ahead goal was overturned after a video review for offside. The Wild had been hopeful, but with another game on the horizon, they return to St. Paul determined to even the series.

In Game 5 of the first-round playoff series, Marc-Andre Fleury stepped in as Minnesota’s goalie after Filip Gustavsson fell ill. Despite Fleury's solid performance, saving 6 of 7 shots during the game, the Wild lost 3-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime, with Brett Howden scoring the decisive goal. The Golden Knights now lead the series 3-2.

Fleury’s return was met with resounding cheers from the crowd, showcasing his enduring popularity among Golden Knights fans. His playoff experience now surpasses legends Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur, as this marks his 18th postseason appearance. Gustavsson had initially kept the Wild competitive, stopping 23 of 25 shots before his replacement. Coach John Hynes noted that Gustavsson’s illness developed during the game, highlighting the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey.

Brett Howden delivered a thrilling overtime goal for the Golden Knights, securing a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild, edging Vegas closer to the second round of the playoffs with a 3-2 series lead. The Golden Knights look to advance in Game 6 in St. Paul. William Karlsson and Mark Stone contributed with crucial goals, while Jack Eichel's two assists marked a resurgence after a quiet series.

For the Wild, Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy showcased their offensive prowess, with Kaprizov extending his point streak to five games and Boldy leading the postseason scoring charts. The game was punctuated by key moments, including a disallowed goal by Ryan Hartman following a successful offside challenge by Vegas. With this victory, the Golden Knights further established their playoff dominance, having won 41 consecutive games when scoring three or more goals.