Thrilling Showdown in Nashville
In a thrilling showdown in Nashville, the Minnesota Wild triumphed over the Predators 6-5 in overtime on Wednesday night. Center Matt Boldy was the star of the match, netting a quick hat trick within the first 13 minutes and later assisting Jared Spurgeon for the game-winning goal with just 45 seconds remaining in overtime. This victory marks the Wild’s fifth consecutive win, underscoring their current strong form.
Boldy’s Hat Trick
Boldy’s first goal came rapidly, just 1:49 into the game, when he capitalized on a breakaway created by a long pass from Zach Bogosian. He added two more before the first period concluded, converting on a power play at 3:39 and securing his hat trick at the 12:58 mark, bringing his seasonal total to 32 goals—a personal best.
Scoring Frenzy
The match was a scoring frenzy right from the start, with the teams combining for six goals in the opening period alone. The Predators fought back with contributions from Steven Stamkos, who recorded one goal and two assists, as well as Filip Forsberg, Luke Evangelista, Erik Haula, and Roman Josi—who all found the back of the net.
Following Boldy’s third goal, Forsberg scored to narrow the Wild’s lead, followed by Stamkos and Haula tying the game, leaving it at 3-3 before the end of the first period. Evangelista even gave Nashville an early second-period lead before Yakov Trenin squared the game again, making it 5-5 late in the third.
Decisive Overtime
The overtime period provided a decisive moment as Boldy assisted Spurgeon, who expertly maneuvered and beat goaltender Juuse Saros to secure the victory. Saros made a remarkable 38 saves despite the loss, while Wild’s Filip Gustavsson stopped 30 shots. The teams have now played three overtime contests in their current season, highlighting a closely matched rivalry.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Wild will face the Colorado Avalanche on February 26 after the Olympic break, while the Predators will travel to Washington to take on the Capitals on Thursday.
