Fact Check: Are MN Wild in the playoffs?

Are the Minnesota Wild in the Playoffs?

The claim in question is whether the Minnesota Wild are currently participating in the NHL playoffs. This inquiry arises amid ongoing discussions about the team's performance and playoff status in the context of the 2023-2024 NHL season.

What We Know

1. Current Season Status: According to the 2023–24 Minnesota Wild season page on Wikipedia, the Wild were eliminated from playoff contention on April 9, 2024, marking the first time they missed the playoffs since the 2018-19 season and only the second time since 2011-12 4.

2. Recent Playoff Performance: The Wild have a history of qualifying for the playoffs, having made it as a wild-card team multiple times since the NHL's playoff format was revamped in the 2013-14 season. They reached the playoffs as a wild-card team in 2024 but were eliminated in the first round by the Vegas Golden Knights 1.

3. 2023 Playoffs: In the previous season (2022-2023), the Wild reached the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the Dallas Stars 6.

4. Current Season Context: As of April 2025, the Wild are not in the playoffs, as confirmed by multiple sources detailing their elimination from postseason contention 54.

Analysis

The sources consulted provide a mix of historical context and current standings regarding the Minnesota Wild's playoff status.

• Source Reliability:

  • The Wikipedia entries 34 are generally reliable for summarizing historical data and current standings, but they can be edited by anyone, which introduces a potential for inaccuracies. However, they are often cross-referenced with more authoritative sources.
  • The Associated Press articles 15 are credible, as they are produced by a well-established news organization known for journalistic standards. However, they may have a slight bias towards sensationalism in sports reporting.
  • The NHL's official site 7 provides up-to-date and accurate information regarding team standings and playoff formats, making it a reliable source for current data.

• Conflicting Information: There is no conflicting information regarding the Wild's current playoff status; all sources agree that they are not in the playoffs for the 2023-2024 season. However, the context of their previous playoff appearances and performance adds depth to the understanding of their current situation.

• Methodology and Evidence: The evidence regarding the Wild's playoff status comes from a combination of statistical data and historical performance records. The methodology behind determining playoff eligibility is based on the NHL's established criteria for team standings, which include win-loss records and points accumulated during the regular season.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the Minnesota Wild are currently participating in the NHL playoffs is false. Evidence indicates that the Wild were eliminated from playoff contention on April 9, 2024, marking a significant moment in their recent history, as it was the first time they missed the playoffs since the 2018-19 season. This conclusion is supported by multiple reliable sources, including the NHL's official site and reputable news organizations.

It is important to note that while the Wild have a history of playoff appearances, their current status reflects a downturn in performance. The evidence is clear and consistent across sources, but it is always prudent to consider the potential for updates or changes in the future, especially as the NHL season progresses.

Readers should remain aware that while the information presented is based on credible sources, the dynamic nature of sports can lead to rapid changes. Therefore, it is advisable to critically evaluate information and consult multiple sources for the most current updates.

Sources

1. Associated Press. "Wild playing above playoff status as only wild-card team with series ...". AP News.
2. Associated Press. "Howden's OT goal gives Golden Knights a 3-2 win over the Wild and 3-2 ...". AP News.
3. Wikipedia. "2023 Stanley Cup playoffs". Wikipedia.
4. Wikipedia. "2023–24 Minnesota Wild season". Wikipedia.
5. NHL.com. "Wild eliminated from playoffs due to power-play struggles, lack of ...". NHL.
6. Hockey-Reference.com. "2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Summary". Hockey Reference.
7. NHL.com. "Minnesota Wild Hockey Standings". NHL.
8. QuantHockey. "Minnesota Wild @ NHL - 2023 Playoff Stats". QuantHockey.
9. Hockey Wilderness. "Filip Gustavsson's Playoff Performance Is Creating A Complicated Future". Hockey Wilderness.
10. Playoff Status. "Minnesota Wild Playoff Picture". Playoff Status.