The Minnesota Wild defeated the Boston Bruins 4-3 in overtime in an exhilarating game on Tuesday night. Kirill Kaprizov scored two goals, including the overtime winner, to lead the Wild to victory over the Atlantic Division-leading Bruins.
Wild Battle Back from One-Goal Deficit
The Bruins struck first with a goal from David Pastrnak in the opening period. However, the Wild responded with two quick goals from Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek to take a 2-1 lead.
Boston fought back to tie it up heading into the third period. After the teams traded goals early in the third, it looked like the game may go to a shootout. However, a late goal from Boston’s Brad Marchand tied things up 3-3 with just over a minute left to play:
“Marchand’s tying goal with 1:06 remaining in regulation came on a one-timer off a feed from David Pastrnak at the top of the left circle.” (Source)
This set the stage for overtime drama.
Kaprizov’s OT Winner Completes Wild Comeback
Just 33 seconds into the extra period, Kirill Kaprizov scored on a breakaway to give the Wild a thrilling 4-3 victory:
“Kaprizov got a pass from Calen Addison and took off down the left boards. He cut in on Jeremy Swayman and beat him on the far side.” (Source)
It was a fitting end for the Wild superstar who once again showed his clutch abilities by netting two goals on the night. His overtime winner allowed Minnesota to overcome surrendering the late game-tying goal and earned them an impressive win over one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Special Teams Story – Power Play Goals Prove Decisive
Special teams and power play goals were pivotal in this game:
| Team | Power Play Goals |
|---|---|
| Wild | 2 |
| Bruins | 1 |
Joel Eriksson Ek and Kirill Kaprizov scored with the man advantage for Minnesota, while Boston got their lone power play goal from David Pastrnak.
The two power play goals were the difference in a tightly contested matchup between the two playoff hopeful clubs. Kaprizov’s overtime winner was particularly significant, as it handed the Wild a win despite the late game-tying strike from the Bruins.
Fleury Stones Bruins with Fine Performance
Minnesota goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was superb in net, stopping 27 shots. He robbed Brad Marchand on a penalty shot in the second period, setting the stage for Kaprizov and company’s comeback efforts:
“Fleury dropped into a butterfly and made an extending right-pad stop on Marchand’s bid to move the Bruins ahead 2-0.” (Source)
Had Marchand scored there to give Boston a two-goal lead, the game likely would have had a very different outlook. But the Wild were able to stay within one thanks to Fleury, allowing them to regroup and eventually rally for the win.
What’s Next?
The victory moves Minnesota to 19-11-2 on the season as they remain in contention for the Central Division lead. The loss snaps Boston’s seven-game winning streak, though they still maintain a comfortable 16 point lead in the Atlantic at 26-4-3.
The Bruins will look to start a new win streak on Thursday at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. It’s another difficult test against one of the top teams in the NHL.
Meanwhile, the Wild continue their Eastern road trip with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, followed by clashes with the New York Rangers and New York Islanders over the weekend. They’ll hope to build on the statement overtime victory in Boston as they try to secure a wild card playoff spot in the tough Western Conference.
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