Kirill Kaprizov showcased his scoring prowess with two crucial third-period goals, aiding the Minnesota Wild in a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on a riveting Tuesday night. Jonas Brodin and Ryan Hartman also contributed to the scoreboard, while Filip Gustavsson’s 22 saves were instrumental in securing the win, improving the Wild’s season record to 12-3-3.

Blues Struggle Despite Perunovich and Neighbours’ Efforts

On the Blues’ end, Scott Perunovich and Jake Neighbours managed to find the net, while Jordan Binnington pulled off 24 saves. The team witnessed the return of Robert Thomas after an absence of 12 games due to a fractured right ankle. Despite these efforts, the Blues couldn’t secure the win.

Decisive Moments in the Third Period

The game’s turning point came when Brodin netted his second goal of the season with just over six minutes left in the third period, edging the Wild in front with a 3-2 lead. To seal the deal, Kaprizov chipped in with an empty net goal, marking his second of the game and 13th of the season, with only 1:23 left on the clock.

Earlier in the third period, Neighbours had scored his team-leading sixth goal of the season on a power play, leveling the game at 2-all. Shortly after, Kaprizov managed to deflect a shot from Jake Middleton past Binnington, giving Minnesota a 2-1 lead.

Key Takeaways from the Game

Minnesota’s Road Game Dominance

The Wild maintained their impressive away game record, boasting a league-leading 8-1-2 on the road.

Blues’ Defensive Woes Continue

While Thomas’ return was a positive for the Blues, the team’s defensive depth issues remained evident, with the absence of defensemen Nick Leddy, Philip Broberg, and Pierre-Olivier Joseph.

Missed Penalty Call Could Have Changed Course

A potential game-altering moment occurred three minutes before the end of the third period. Referees Kelly Sutherland and Corey Syvret overlooked a likely high sticking penalty on Jared Spurgeon that could have given the Blues a late power play.

Kaprizov’s Scoring Streak

Kaprizov’s performance was noteworthy, accumulating 12 points (six goals, six assists) and recording at least one point in each of his last six games.

The Wild will now turn their attention to Edmonton, while the Blues prepare to host San Jose on Thursday night.

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.