Haight Secures First Career Goal as Wild Edge Ducks in Regular-Season Finale

Hunter Haight scored his first NHL goal and Jesper Wallstedt made 35 saves as the Minnesota Wild edged the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in their regular-season finale.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 9:12 AM EDT

Source: NHL.com

A Milestone Night for Minnesota’s Youth

Hunter Haight provided the decisive spark for a Minnesota lineup that rested ten regulars in preparation for the postseason. After having a goal disallowed the previous night against St. Louis, Haight found redemption at 11:24 of the second period. Capitalizing on a feed from veteran Nick Foligno, Haight navigated through the slot before beating Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal with a precise wrist shot. Minnesota coach John Hynes praised Haight’s professional growth, noting his steady development throughout his second year as a professional athlete.

Wallstedt Stands Tall Against Anaheim Pressure

Goaltender Jesper Wallstedt was the backbone of the Wild’s defensive effort, particularly in a lopsided third period where Anaheim outshot Minnesota 15-3. Wallstedt’s 35-save performance marked the eighth time in his last nine starts that he has allowed two or fewer goals. The rookie finished the season with 18 wins and four shutouts, setting new franchise records for a rookie netminder. Despite the Ducks’ desperate push to improve their seeding and avoid a first-round matchup with Colorado, Wallstedt remained composed under heavy fire.

Postseason Implications and Strategic Positioning

With the victory, the Wild (46-24-12) confirmed their third-place finish in the Central Division. This result sets the stage for a highly anticipated Western Conference First Round matchup against the second-place Dallas Stars. While the Wild utilized the game to rest their top six point scorers, the contest served as a vital rehearsal for their depth players. The victory also extended Minnesota’s dominant streak against Anaheim, having won eight consecutive games against the Ducks and 21 of their last 22 meetings.