Minnesota slide into the playoff chaos: defeat against Devils!

Minnesota slide into the playoff chaos: defeat against Devils!

The Minnesota Wild are facing a critical phase in the NHL after they lost again on April 1, 2025 against the New Jersey Devils. In the second encounter within 48 hours, the game had to accept a narrow 2: 3 loss to Shootout, but were able to secure a counter for the table. This defeat continues to increase the pressure on the team, as they are currently only six points in front of the first non-playoff place.

In the first duel, which took place in Minnesota, the wild had to accept a 2: 5 defeat. In today's game, Luke Hughes brought the Devils into the lead in the 13th minute before Vinnie Hinostroza equalized for the game in the 43rd minute. In the 50th minute, Nico Hischier managed to bring Devils back to the front, but Matt Boldy made the 58th minute to equalize and saved his team a point.

tension up to the last second

in overtime, Minnesota had the chance of winning when a goal was canceled by Paul Cotter because he was offside. In the subsequent shootout, the Devils demonstrated their nerve strength. Paul Cotter and Jesper Bratt met while the two wild strikers Mats Zuccarello and Boldy failed. Boldy was unlucky when his shot hit the crossbar.

The goalkeepers' performance played a decisive role in this game. Filip Gustavsson from the wildly recorded 26 Saves and prevented further hits from the Devils, while Jacob Markstrom defended 27 shots on the New Jersey side. Minnesota was only able to record one victory in the previous four games and now has a record of 41-28-6.

Marco Rossis performance

Marco Rossi, who took part in an inconspicuous performance, three hits and two giveaways, came to 23:04 minutes of ice age, but ended the game with just one shot on the goal and a balance of +1. In the last ten games, Rossi was only able to record one goal and an assist. The observed form of game is worrying, especially considering the upcoming playoffs.

The game currently occupies the first Wildcard Square in the Western Conference and have only a slight lead in front of the St. Louis Blues, which are right behind them. In view of the situation, every further defeat will make the race for the playoff places for the wild more turbulent. Coach John Hynes had already explained that the game was intense and the team challenged a strong team in a playoff environment.

While the Minnesota are struggling for their place in the playoffs, the New Jersey Devils have built up a positive momentum. Hughes noticed that the back-to-back victories against a strong team will strengthen their trust and help the team to be successful in the coming games

The Calgary Flames, which won 3-2 in the shootout on the same evening against the Colorado Avalanche, also put pressure on the wild team, since they are now only five points behind a wildcard place. For the game it will be crucial to score in the next games to stabilize in the table.