Wild host St. Louis Blues to open Round 1 of Stanley Cup playoffs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - It's playoff time in the State of Hockey. The Minnesota Wild host the St. Louis Blues Wednesday night at the Xcel Energy Center in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The theme of this playoff run for the Wild is "committed." The Wild are hoping to make a deep run in their fifth straight Stanley Cup playoffs after playing their best season ever, setting new franchise records for wins and total points. 

The Wild have a home ice advantage for the seven-game series. They will play their first two games in front of a home crowd at the Xcel Energy Center that broke records for attendance during the regular season. The Wild sold out all 147 of their home games, with an average of 19,701 fans turning out for each game. 

Fans are encouraged to wear Wild colors during all playoff games. A free pre-game party was planned ahead of Game 1, but has been canceled due to the weather. 

The Blues are coached by Mike Yeo, the former head coach of the Wild who was fired at the end of last season. 

The puck drops at 8:30 p.m. 

Round 1 Playoff Schedule

Game 1: Wednesday, April 12, St. Louis at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m.
Game 2: Friday, April 14, St. Louis at Minnesota, 7 p.m.
Game 3: Sunday, April 16, Minnesota at St. Louis, 2 p.m.
Game 4: Wednesday, April 19, Minnesota at St. Louis, 8:30 p.m.
Game 5: Saturday, April 22, St. Louis at Minnesota, TBD (if necessary)
Game 6: Monday, April 24, Minnesota at St. Louis, TBD (if necessary)