Wild and Ducks End Playoff Droughts, Setting Stage for Second Round

Key facts

• Minnesota Wild defeated Dallas Stars 5-2 in Game 6 to win series 4-2.
• Anaheim Ducks beat Edmonton Oilers 5-2 in Game 6 to win series 4-2.
• Wild advance to Western Conference semifinals for first time since 2014.
• Ducks win first playoff series since 2016, ending nine-year drought.
• Quinn Hughes scored twice, including series-clinching goal off a Stars defender's skate.
• Rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves for the Wild.
• Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes confirmed as first second-round matchup.
• Montreal Canadiens lead Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2; Buffalo Sabres lead Boston Bruins 3-2.

Droughts Broken in Minnesota and Anaheim

The Minnesota Wild ended an 11-year playoff series drought Thursday night with a 5-2 victory over the visiting Dallas Stars, clinching the first-round series 4-2. Later, the Anaheim Ducks snapped a nine-year wait of their own, defeating the back-to-back Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers 5-2 to win their series 4-2. Both teams now advance to the Western Conference semifinals, joining the Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes — the only confirmed second-round matchup so far. The Flyers eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.

Quinn Hughes Ends Goal Drought in Dramatic Fashion

Quinn Hughes had not scored a playoff goal since 2020 entering Game 6. He scored twice Thursday, including a slot pass that ricocheted off a Stars defender's skate for the series-clinching goal. Matt Boldy added two empty-net goals to seal the win for rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, who made 22 saves. The Wild's victory marks their first playoff series win since 2014, when they advanced to the second round before falling to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Ducks End Oilers' Reign

The Anaheim Ducks' 5-2 win eliminated the Edmonton Oilers, who had won the Western Conference championship the past two seasons. The Ducks won their first playoff series since 2016, when they reached the conference finals. The Oilers, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, had been heavy favorites but could not overcome Anaheim's balanced attack and strong goaltending.

Remaining First-Round Series on the Brink

Three more teams have a chance to close out their first-round series this weekend. The Montreal Canadiens lead the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. The Buffalo Sabres hold a 3-2 lead over the Boston Bruins, with Game 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Vegas Golden Knights lead the Utah Mammoth 3-2, with Game 6 at 10 p.m. ET. In Thursday's action, the Lightning forced Game 7 against the Canadiens with a 30-save shutout by goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Sabres and Bruins also played Game 6, with Buffalo winning to take a 3-2 series lead.

Key Performances and Milestones

Several players stood out in Thursday's games. For the Wild, Hughes' two goals — including the series-clincher — ended a personal drought of nearly five years without a playoff goal. Boldy's two empty-netters provided insurance. Wallstedt, a rookie, delivered a composed performance under pressure. For the Ducks, the team effort overwhelmed the Oilers, who had been the dominant force in the Western Conference. The Ducks' victory sets up a second-round matchup that will be determined once all first-round series conclude.

What Comes Next: Second-Round Picture Takes Shape

With the Wild and Ducks advancing, the Western Conference semifinals will feature at least two new participants. The Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes are already set for a second-round clash, the first confirmed matchup of the round. The remaining first-round series will determine the other two Western Conference semifinalists. The Canadiens, Sabres, and Golden Knights each hold 3-2 leads and can close out their series this weekend. The Lightning, Bruins, and Mammoth face elimination. The NHL playoff bracket continues to evolve, with the second round expected to begin early next week.

A Night of Endings and Beginnings

Thursday night marked a turning point for two franchises that had endured long playoff series droughts. The Wild, after 11 years, and the Ducks, after nine, finally broke through. For the Oilers, the loss ends a two-year reign as Western Conference champions and raises questions about the team's future. The playoffs now move into a new phase, with the second round beginning to take shape. The remaining first-round series promise more drama as teams fight to keep their seasons alive.

The bottom line

• Minnesota Wild and Anaheim Ducks both won their first playoff series in over nine years on Thursday.
• Quinn Hughes scored twice for the Wild, ending a personal playoff goal drought since 2020.
• Rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves to help the Wild advance.
• Anaheim eliminated the two-time defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers.
• Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes are the first confirmed second-round matchup.
• Three first-round series remain undecided: Canadiens lead Lightning 3-2, Sabres lead Bruins 3-2, Golden Knights lead Mammoth 3-2.