How does the playoff format work for the Wild?

The playoff format for the Minnesota Wild, as part of the NHL, follows a structured process to determine which teams advance in the postseason. The NHL playoffs consist of 16 teams, which are divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conference is further divided into two divisions. Teams qualify for the playoffs based on their performance during the regular season. In the Western Conference, the top three teams from each division earn automatic playoff berths based on their point totals. In addition to the six division champions, two wild card spots are available for the teams with the next highest point totals in the conference, regardless of their division. This means that a total of eight teams from the Western Conference, including the Minnesota Wild, have the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. Once teams qualify for the playoffs, the format operates on a best-of-seven series basis. In the first round, the team with the most points plays the wild card team, while the second and third seeds in each division face off against each other. The winners advance to the second round, followed by the conference finals, and finally the Stanley Cup Final. Throughout the playoffs, the higher-seeded team typically has home-ice advantage, which can be a significant factor during series that can stretch over multiple games. For more detailed information or any changes to the format, it is advisable to check the current web page for Minnesota Wild and the NHL, as playoff structures can occasionally evolve.