ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Wild emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against the Colorado Avalanche in a nail-biting shootout on Tuesday night, with Matt Boldy scoring the decisive goal in the shootout.
Mats Zuccarello was instrumental for the Wild, scoring during regular play and also delivering in the shootout. Goalie Filip Gustavsson stood firm, recording 27 saves, making him a crucial part of Minnesota’s defensive stronghold.
The Avalanche, facing a setback after an impressive six-game winning streak, managed to get on the scoreboard through Joel Kiviranta. Mackenzie Blackwood was commendable in goal, stopping 22 shots. However, this was not enough to extend their winning streak.
Zuccarello ignited the shootout with a successful goal as Gustavsson thwarted Nathan McKinnon’s challenge on the other end. Boldy’s follow-up score and Martin Necas’ missed opportunity sealed the victory for the Wild.
Minnesota jumped ahead midway through the second period, capitalizing on a mistake by Necas in Colorado’s defensive zone. Boldy deftly pushed the puck to Marco Rossi, who set up Zuccarello for a powerful wrist shot over Blackwood’s shoulder.
As the clock ticked into the third period, Kiviranta evened the score at 14:20 by redirecting Samuel Girard’s backhand shot past Gustavsson, keeping the Avalanche in the game and earning them an essential point.
**Takeaways**
**Avalanche:** Colorado, returning from an offensive explosion of 31 goals in a 6-0-0 homestand, narrowly avoided being shut out thanks to Kiviranta and Blackwood’s standout performance.
**Wild:** The victory marked the start of a significant home stretch, with Minnesota playing 10 out of 11 games on home ice. This win brought their points total to 78, just three shy of the Avalanche, who are currently in contention for the third playoff spot in the Central Division.
**Key Moment**
Following Zuccarello’s goal, Gustavsson made a crucial save, sliding across the crease to block a back-door attempt from Necas, maintaining the tie.
**Key Stat**
Nathan MacKinnon, known for his scoring prowess with multiple points in five of his last six games, was effectively neutralized by the Wild defense, leaving him off the score sheet.
**Up Next**
The Minnesota Wild are set to face the New York Rangers on Thursday night at home, while the Avalanche head to Calgary for their next game on Friday night.
