Kaprizov’s Power-Play Double Lifts Wild to 5-2 Win

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    ST. PAUL, Minn. — Kirill Kaprizov’s return to form is just what the Minnesota Wild needed as they navigate the NHL playoffs. After missing a significant portion of the regular season due to a persistent lower-body injury, Kaprizov is making his presence felt at just the right time. The Wild, who barely made it into the playoffs, seem to have found their stride with Kaprizov fully recovered.

    In a show of strength, Kaprizov contributed two power-play goals, guiding the Wild to a 5-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night. This win gave Minnesota a 2-1 advantage in their first-round series.
    “He’s such an energy giver,” stated Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson, praising Kaprizov’s influence. “Just his skill plays, his dangles or anything like that, finding passes that people don’t see. It’s building from the bench and out on the ice there, just everyone feels more energy to try going and going.”

    Matt Boldy added to the excitement with his third consecutive game with a goal. Meanwhile, Marco Rossi marked a career milestone with his first postseason goal, and Marcus Foligno secured the win with an empty-net goal. The Wild built on the momentum from a previous victory, carrying it into the lively atmosphere at the Xcel Energy Center and maintaining their drive throughout the night.

    Kaprizov and Boldy currently lead the NHL playoffs in goals, both tallying four each. Together, they’ve accumulated 13 points, emphasizing the strength of the Wild’s forward line. Collectively, their top three forwards took 17 shots on goal. Kaprizov particularly praised center Joel Eriksson Ek for his efforts.
    “He did so much, especially faceoffs and net front and so many dirty pucks,” Kaprizov remarked. “He always won battles and played so hard.”

    The Golden Knights, however, have failed to find the same success. Their top line, composed of Ivan Barbashev, Jack Eichel, and Mark Stone, has yet to register a single point.

    Looking ahead, Game 4 will also take place in Minnesota on Saturday. Gustavsson was instrumental in the Wild’s latest success, achieving 30 saves during the game. Minnesota leaped to an early 2-0 lead before Vegas answered back with a long slap shot from Alex Pietrangelo. Reilly Smith’s short-handed goal was the only other goal allowed by Gustavsson, who was overwhelmed by the noise from the home crowd in the closing minutes.

    “It’s very fun. You can’t hear anything,” Gustavsson shared.

    The fans’ energy was evident from the outset, as an immediate penalty against Vegas for too many men on the ice gave Minnesota an early power play opportunity just 2:46 into the game. Kaprizov, maneuvering behind the net, tricked the defense and scored with a skilled wrist shot to set the tone. Wild rookie Zeev Buium assisted on this play, earning his first career postseason point.

    Another power play late in the second period saw Ryan Hartman’s attempt glance off Kaprizov, propelling Minnesota to a 4-1 advantage. Vegas goalie Adin Hill was taken out after two periods and replaced by Akira Shmid, as Hill saved 17 shots but struggled with defensive support.

    Boldy further extended the Wild’s lead with a goal midway through the second period by battling behind the net and taking a sharp shot into the top corner past Hill. Despite being out-hit 42-26 and losing 58% of faceoffs, the Wild capitalized on their chances, unlike the Golden Knights who, despite controlling much of the play, were left wondering about the deficit on the scoreboard.

    Reflecting on the outcome, coach Bruce Cassidy expressed his disbelief, “You’re going into the room as a team and you’re like, ‘We’re down 4-1 after that period? Like, what the hell just happened?’ But that’s hockey some nights. You’ve got to regroup. You create your own breaks. They did.”