Wild Keep Rolling, Besting Colorado in a Shootout Thriller
In an electrifying midday showdown between two of the NHL's hottest teams, the Minnesota Wild edged out the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in a heart-stopping shootout on Friday. The victory marked a decisive statement from the Wild, who have been struggling to find their footing at the start of the season.
Coach John Hynes lauded his team's performance, stating that it was an "electric" game with two strong teams going head-to-head. The Avalanche, meanwhile, fell to 15 games without a regulation loss, but showed no signs of weakness in this tight contest.
Goalie Jesper Wallstedt stole the show, making 39 saves and improving his record to 7-0-2. His impressive performance capped off a stellar outing from the Wild's young netminder, who has been touted as a frontrunner for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year.
The Avalanche took an early lead on a miscue by Wild forward Mats Zuccarello, but the home team refused to back down. Kirill Kaprizov scored his 200th career goal with a clutch equalizer in the second period, and then added a winner just before halftime to put Minnesota up 2-1.
However, Gabriel Landeskog's third goal of the season in the final minute of the third tied the game at 2-2, sending it into a thrilling shootout. Wallstedt proved once again why he's on track for the top honor, denying Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in the shootout.
Wild forward Ryan Hartman returned from injury with an impressive goal, which Kaprizov then passed to seal the win. For his part, Hartman praised Kaprizov's vision and accuracy, saying it was a "nice pass" that ultimately made all the difference.
For Wallstedt, the win meant more than just another victory – it was a statement about his team's capabilities. "It kind of says that we're a better team than them," he said with a smile. "We beat them, so that felt good."
The Avalanche will be back in Minnesota in three weeks for a rematch, but they'll have to regroup and refocus if they want to dethrone the Wild's Central Division title hopes.
In other news, Wild forward Yakov Trenin reached his 400th career game on Friday, leading the NHL in hits with 108 this season. The team is set to face off against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday evening as part of their holiday weekend back-to-back.
In an electrifying midday showdown between two of the NHL's hottest teams, the Minnesota Wild edged out the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in a heart-stopping shootout on Friday. The victory marked a decisive statement from the Wild, who have been struggling to find their footing at the start of the season.
Coach John Hynes lauded his team's performance, stating that it was an "electric" game with two strong teams going head-to-head. The Avalanche, meanwhile, fell to 15 games without a regulation loss, but showed no signs of weakness in this tight contest.
Goalie Jesper Wallstedt stole the show, making 39 saves and improving his record to 7-0-2. His impressive performance capped off a stellar outing from the Wild's young netminder, who has been touted as a frontrunner for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year.
The Avalanche took an early lead on a miscue by Wild forward Mats Zuccarello, but the home team refused to back down. Kirill Kaprizov scored his 200th career goal with a clutch equalizer in the second period, and then added a winner just before halftime to put Minnesota up 2-1.
However, Gabriel Landeskog's third goal of the season in the final minute of the third tied the game at 2-2, sending it into a thrilling shootout. Wallstedt proved once again why he's on track for the top honor, denying Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in the shootout.
Wild forward Ryan Hartman returned from injury with an impressive goal, which Kaprizov then passed to seal the win. For his part, Hartman praised Kaprizov's vision and accuracy, saying it was a "nice pass" that ultimately made all the difference.
For Wallstedt, the win meant more than just another victory – it was a statement about his team's capabilities. "It kind of says that we're a better team than them," he said with a smile. "We beat them, so that felt good."
The Avalanche will be back in Minnesota in three weeks for a rematch, but they'll have to regroup and refocus if they want to dethrone the Wild's Central Division title hopes.
In other news, Wild forward Yakov Trenin reached his 400th career game on Friday, leading the NHL in hits with 108 this season. The team is set to face off against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday evening as part of their holiday weekend back-to-back.
. Like, he's supposed to be a top contender for the Calder Trophy, but what about the other goalies? Don't they get any love? And why did the Avalanche score so many goals despite having like, 10 defensemen on the ice 
. It just doesn't add up. Not to mention, that last-minute equalizer by Kaprizov... how did he even see that shot? 
Kaprizov's clutch goals were a game-changer. The Wild really showed they're not to be messed with this season 
Trenin's on fire too, 108 hits in a single season? That's some crazy stuff 
! i mean, they've been struggling at the start of the season but now they're making a statement! Jesper Wallstedt is literally a god in goal right now 
7-0-2 is insane!!! and Kaprizov's 200th career goal was so clutch 
Kirill's goal in the 2nd period was like "nah, i'm not done yet" 
it's clear he loves his team and they love him right back.
especially with their next game against the Sabres. bring it on 
and that shootout win is pure magic 
Kaprizov's goal with 200 career marks is a highlight reel moment for sure 
. Hartman's return from injury was huge, the team needed him and he delivered 
. I mean, they're supposed to be the team with all that firepower, and they still had to go into OT? Yeah, okay. Still, credit to Kaprizov on his 200th goal 
and that's got everyone talking about their chances of taking down the Avalanche for the Central Division title. I mean, it's not just about Wallstedt's stats anymore, it's about the team's overall chemistry and how they're performing under pressure.
Let's take a look at the stats, tho 
! Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are still waiting for their first shootout goals 
. On a side note, did you see that Ryan Hartman scored an impressive goal after returning from injury? 
! I love how they came from behind to take down the Avalanche, it shows the team's heart and determination 
. Meanwhile, the Wild are proving they're more than just a flash in the pan - they've got some serious depth and talent 
.
what's wrong with the avs defense tho? didn't think they had it in them to lose to minn like that 
. Wallstedt's performance was amazing, I'm loving how he's stepping up his game 
7-0-2 and counting. I love how Kirill Kaprizov got that 200th career goal goal. The kid's on fire 
Just watched that shootout thriller and I'm still buzzing from it! 
Wallstedt's performance was insane, can't believe he's only 7-0-2 so far this season. That kid's got skills for days 
his goal was pure magic. And Hartman's return from injury was a huge boost for the team, his goal was so clutch 
️
. We ended up having a hot sauce eating contest and it was insane! I think I might've lost my taste buds for a week afterwards