The Minnesota Wild faced a postseason nightmare without their veterans. Foot fractures sidelined defenseman Jonas Brodin and center Joel Eriksson Ek during the crucial series against Colorado, leaving a massive void in the Wild's defensive core.

Minnesota got eliminated in Game 5 of the series, suffering a 4-3 overtime loss in Denver. The defeat concluded a disappointing week for the team, as the Avalanche walked away with a 4-1 series win.

The Wild clearly missed their defensive enforcer and stalwart. After watching his team bow out of the playoffs, Brodin couldn't hide his disappointment.

"It's awful to not play in the playoffs," he said, as per ESPN. "Best time of the year." 

Brodin's injury came in Game 5 of the Wild's first-round series against the Dallas Stars. The 30-year-old suffered a fracture in his right foot while trying to block a shot.

He subsequently required surgery and missed the final win against the Stars, and the entire series against the Colorado Avalanche.

Joining him soon was Eriksson Ek, whose season ended in the very next game against Dallas. The two-way center broke the heel bone in his right foot in Game 6.

The 29-year-old tried to push for a return, taking part in limited practice before Game 3 against Colorado, but the pain ensured his absence from the series.

"You want to play," Eriksson Ek explained. "I just couldn't do it. Too painful to skate." 

As Minnesota's season ended on a whimper, Brodin noted the frustration but asked for positivity.

"It's a frustrating year. We've got to stay positive and come back stronger next year," he stated.

Brodin had a particularly disappointing year. Besides watching his club lose from the sidelines, the Swede missed the Olympics earlier in the year due to another lower-body injury. He subsequently had a surgery.

How The Wild Held Up Without Them

Despite losing their veteran stars, the Wild still found a way through Dallas, winning the first-round series 4-2. That win showed Minnesota’s depth and resolve, but also their weaknesses. 

The team was now short of two major players before the next round even began and it quickly became apparent. Minnesota split the first four games with Colorado, including a 5-1 win in Game 3. The Wild were pushed back in Game 4, with the series now 3-1.

In Game 5, Minnesota led 3-0, but the Avalanche tied it late and won 4-3 in overtime thanks to Brett Kulak’s goal. With their season, the Wild will now focus on recovery timelines and offseason adjustments.

The team will spend this summer refining the roster, and planning for a comeback next year, with Brodin and Eriksson Ek back in the fold.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Sijo Paul