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.

The Vegas Golden Knights triumphed over the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series, securing a 4-2 victory. Brett Howden emerged as a standout, netting two goals, while Tomas Hertl contributed one goal and an assist. Pavel Dorofeyev also found the back of the net, and goaltender Adin Hill made 18 saves to bolster the Knights’ defense.

The match saw an exchange of goals in the first period, with Hertl and Minnesota's Matt Boldy each scoring. Dorofeyev's goal during a power play gave Vegas a brief two-goal cushion, but Boldy's late effort kept the Wild within reach. Howden's empty-netter sealed the win as the Knights prepare for Game 2.

Pavel Dorofeyev netted the game-winning goal late in the third period, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, marking their fifth consecutive win. Victor Olofsson tallied twice, while Mark Stone and Brett Howden contributed to the scoreline, with Howden sealing the game with an empty-netter. Despite Ryan Donato's impressive hat trick, the struggling Blackhawks fell to their ninth loss in ten games.

The Golden Knights capitalized on their power play opportunities, particularly when Dorofeyev struck following a hooking penalty on Teuvo Teravainen. Adin Hill effectively kept the Blackhawks at bay, making critical saves, including a pivotal stop on Frank Nazar during a 3-3 impasse. Vegas now stands poised for another division title as they aim to build on this momentum.