Ducks-Wild Clash: Playoff Stakes Soar

The Ducks roll into Minnesota tonight with their season teetering on the edge, facing a Wild squad that's mastered the art of grinding out points in these late-April dogfights. Anaheim's young core has flashed brilliance but stumbled in key moments, while Minnesota's veterans know how to protect home ice when the playoffs loom. Front offices across the West watch closely, as a slip-up here reshapes the wildcard race with massive implications for draft positioning and summer moves.