Game Summary
In a commanding performance, the Minnesota Wild triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers with a score of 7-3, marking their third consecutive victory and extending their points streak to five games.
Key Performers
Quinn Hughes made headlines by not only scoring a goal but also providing an assist, thereby setting a new franchise record for defensemen with an impressive point streak reaching eight games.
Joel Eriksson Ek, Mats Zuccarello, and Brock Faber each contributed a goal and an assist as well, while additional scores from Kirill Kaprizov, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Tyler Pitlick rounded out the Wild’s impressive offensive display. In goal, Jesper Wallstedt showcased his skills by thwarting 39 shots from the Oilers.
Oilers’ Struggles
On the other side, Edmonton saw goals from Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Jack Roslovic, but they faced setbacks, including a rare disruption of their three-game winning streak. Goaltender Tristan Jarry struggled, allowing five goals on just 20 shots before being replaced by Connor Ingram, who made seven saves in relief.
Penalty Issues
Edmonton’s penalty killing has come under scrutiny lately, particularly after conceding two power-play goals to Minnesota and allowing six goals on 14 penalties in their last four matchups.
Game Flow
The game began tightly contested with the score tied at 2-2 after the first period, but Minnesota seized control in the second, netting three unanswered goals.
The Wild took the lead just 35 seconds into the second period when Ryan Hartman won a key faceoff, passed to Zuccarello, who unleashed a shot that went over Jarry’s glove, establishing a 3-2 advantage that the Wild maintained throughout the game.
Despite temporarily leaving the bench due to injury concerns, Draisaitl returned to complete the match, while Evan Bouchard continued his scoring streak, bringing his total to four goals and eight assists over his last four games.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Wild completed a clean sweep of the three-game season series against the Oilers. Looking ahead, Minnesota will host the Montreal Canadiens on Monday, while the Oilers prepare to face the Toronto Maple Leafs at home on Tuesday.
