RECAPS: WINNESOTA – Wild, Timberwolves Finish Off Series in Game 6
ST. PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KVRR) – The lights were out at Grand Casino late Thursday night, but the energy from inside still lingered. Over 19,000 fans had packed in to watch playoff hockey, and they poured out into downtown St. Paul celebrating something they hadn’t seen in a decade: a series-clinching win by the Minnesota Wild.
For the first time since 2015, the Wild are headed to the second round.
It didn’t come easily. Quinn Hughes struck first, sniping one home just six minutes in to give Minnesota an early 1–0 lead. Dallas answered with two goals, but the Wild clawed back before the second intermission behind Vladimir Tarasenko, tying the game and setting up a decisive third period.
That’s when the bounces went Minnesota’s way.
Hughes found the net again—this time off a bit of puck luck—to give the Wild the lead for good.
“Obviously, we had a great opportunity tonight to close him out in game six,” Hughes said. “Their backs are up against the wall and you wanted to close it out. I think all of our guys kind of had that mindset.”
From there, Matt Boldy slammed the door shut with two empty-net goals, sealing a 5–2 win and a 4–2 series victory.
“From game one, the mindset was that we weren’t going to let that happen again,” Boldy said referring to the nine consecutive postseason series defeats. “We were ready to take that step.”
Veteran captain Jared Spurgeon emphasized how difficult that step can be.
“You go through it throughout your career—how hard it is to do,” Spurgeon said. “We’re not taking it for granted, but we’ll enjoy it tonight and get ready for what’s next.”
In goal, Jesper Wallstedt provided a steady backbone throughout the series, playing a key role in Minnesota’s dominance at 5-on-5. The Wild allowed just four “even-strength” goals to the Stars across all six games, a testament to both their defensive structure and their netminder’s consistency.
“I don’t know if I would say carry, but I think we’re a team out there,” Wallstedt said. “We needed every single one of the guys. We couldn’t have done it without anyone—guys that bring energy, block shots, get pucks out of the zone. I just try to make some saves every now and then. Everyone is a part of it, and that’s why we got the result.”
That “next” that Spurgeon referred to is a daunting matchup with the Colorado Avalanche, owners of the league’s best record. Head coach John Hynes pointed to team identity as the key moving forward.
“It starts with the guys’ commitment to play the way they have,” Hynes said. “We’ll reset and get ready.”
Just a few miles away at Target Center, the celebration was just as loud—and just as meaningful.
The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered their own statement win, beating the Denver Nuggets 110–98 to close out their first-round series in six games.
Short-handed entering the night without Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu, the Timberwolves leaned on its depth and defense. Jaden McDaniels led the way with 32 points, while Terrence Shannon Jr. added 24. But it was the defense that defined the game—the Wolves didn’t allow a single field goal over the final five minutes.
McDaniels, who had spent the series talking confidently about the matchup, delivered on every word.
“I’m just happy we were able to come out on top,” he said. “Stuff was said… I’m just glad we proved our point.”
Head coach Chris Finch didn’t mince words about his forward’s performance.
“He talked all series and backed it up,” Finch said. “That’s legitimate tough.”
Defensively, Rudy Gobert set the tone, battling Nikola Jokić in a marquee matchup. Gobert finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists while helping limit one of the league’s most dominant players.
“I live for this,” Gobert said. “Facing one of the greatest offensive players of our time—that’s what you dream about.”
Now, Minnesota turns its attention to the San Antonio Spurs, led by Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama. The second-round series begins Monday night in San Antonio.
“You know, they had an incredible regular season,” said Gobert. “They have a very good collective unit on both ends of the floor and they really well coached— so it’s going to be a great challenge and looking forward to it.”
Game one is Monday, May 4 in San Antonio.
Add it all up, and Thursday was about as good as it gets in the State of Hockey—and beyond.
The Wild broke through. The Timberwolves backed up their rise. And across the Twin Cities, fans celebrated a rare and unforgettable night where everything went right.
