The Wild joined the NHL in 2000 along with fellow expansion team the Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>. Minnesota placed last in its division in each of its first two seasons but qualified for the play-offs in its third year, led by right wing Marian Gaborik. In the first round of the postseason, the Wild dramatically staved off elimination by winning three consecutive one-goal-margin games against the Colorado Avalanche<\/a> (with the latter two coming in overtime contests). The team won another seven-game series to earn a berth in the conference finals, where the Wild lost to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim<\/a>. However, Minnesota followed its surprising play-off run with two consecutive last-place divisional finishes.<\/p>\n In 2006\u201307 the Wild earned a second postseason berth<\/a>, and the team won a division title the following season, but it lost in the opening round of the play-offs in both years. The team continued to post winning records over the following three seasons, yet it was unable to qualify for the play-offs during that span. In 2012\u201313 Minnesota\u2019s return to the play-offs resulted in a first-round loss. That kicked off a franchise-record six consecutive postseason appearances for the Wild, with the team failing to advance any farther than the second round during the streak.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Britannica Quiz<\/p>\n Great Moments in Sports Quiz<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n![\"Serena](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Serena-Williams-womens-single-trophy-Australian-Open-Januray-28-2017.jpg\")
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