Setoguchi's goal helps Wild make playoffs for 1st time in 5 years with 3-1 win over Avs

DENVER - Devin Setoguchi broke a second-period tie and Niklas Backstrom stopped 29 shots, helping the Minnesota Wild secure their first playoff spot in five years with a 3-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night.

Zach Parise scored and Pierre-Marc Bouchard added a late empty-net goal for the Wild, who earned the No. 8 seed and will face top-seeded Chicago in the first round of the post-season. Minnesota had a chance to wrap up a spot on Friday, but lost 6-1 at home to Edmonton.

Backstrom came up big in the third period, turning aside 15 shots. He moves to 24-5-3 against the Avalanche.