Wild clinch playoff berth led by Kaprizov record-setting season

The Minnesota Wild clinched a berth in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs when they defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-4 in overtime Sunday.

It's the third straight season the Wild have reached the postseason, and the ninth time in 10 seasons. However, they last won a playoff series in 2015. Last season, they lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in seven games in the Stanley Cup First Round.
Kirill Kaprizov has led the Wild with a record-setting season. He scored his 43rd goal Saturday, passing Marian Gaborik (2007-08) and Eric Staal (2017-18) for the most in a season by a Wild player. Kaprizov's 93 points are the most in a season for a Minnesota player, passing Gaborik's 83 points in 2007-08.
The Wild offense goes deeper than just Kaprizov, with six players scoring at least 20 goals. Minnesota is fifth in the NHL at 3.68 goals per game.
General manager Bill Guerin made a number of moves prior to the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline to add size to the lineup, acquiring defenseman Jake Middleton (6-foot-3, 219 pounds) from the San Jose Sharks, and forwards Tyson Jost (5-11, 187) from the Colorado Avalanche and Nicolas Deslauriers (6-1, 220) from the Anaheim Ducks. The Wild also added goaltending depth by trading for Marc-Andre Fleury from the Chicago Blackhawks to create a tandem with Cam Talbot.
Here's a look at the Wild's path to a playoff berth:
Most Valuable Player: Kaprizov, in his second NHL season, has continued to drive the Wild's offense. Last season he set Minnesota rookie records for goals (27), assists (24) and points (51) and won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year. He's built on that this season, shattering Wild scoring records. He's also done most of his damage at even strength. His 31 even-strength goals are tied for fourth in the NHL, and his 68 even-strength points are tied for fifth.
Unsung Hero: Matt Boldy scored a goal in his NHL debut, Jan. 6 against the Boston Bruins, and the 21-year-old forward has not looked back. Selected by the Wild with the No. 12 pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, he has scored 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in 40 games after finding immediate chemistry with linemate Kevin Fiala. Boldy has exceeded expectations despite an early season injury and has shown a high hockey IQ that will be valued by Minnesota for years to come.
Memorable Moment: Minnesota not only made its Winter Classic debut Jan. 1, but it also served as the host of the marquee regular-season NHL event at Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins. The St. Louis Blues won 6-4, but the atmosphere in below-zero temperatures was a shining moment for the State of Hockey fanbase.

Key Number: Six. It's the first time the Wild have had six players score at least 20 goals in a season. Aside from Kaprizov's 43 goals, Ryan Hartman has scored 31, Fiala has 29, Mats Zuccarello and Marcus Foligno each has scored 22, and Joel Eriksson Ek has 21. All but Zuccarello have set NHL career highs.
Question Mark: The Wild's corps of defensemen has sustained a number of injuries, including Matt Dumba, who has missed 19 games, including the past six because of an upper-body injury. Jon Merrill (upper body) has missed the past nine. The depth is lacking at the position, so for the Wild to have postseason success the need to stay healthy is imperative.
Reason Wild Can Win It All: Offensive depth has been key for the Wild this season, as the number of players contributing across the lineup is unlike any previous Minnesota team. Beyond the 20-plus goal scorers, Boldy and Frederick Gaudreau (13 goals, 27 assists) have played important roles, and on any given night a player on the fourth line like Brandon Duhaime or Nick Bjugstad can be seen stepping up. There is also a high level of resiliency, showcased by 21 comeback wins, including the postseason clincher against the Sharks on Sunday.