In a surprising turn of events, the Minnesota Wild triumphed over the Buffalo Sabres 5-4 in overtime, despite fielding a shorthanded roster. This match took place at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, marking the Wild’s first game of a three-game road trip.
Game Highlights and Key Takeaways
The Wild, missing key players including Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy due to injuries, managed to rally after almost letting a two-goal lead slip away. Their victory is notable as it highlights their depth and resilience.
Important Players and Moments
- Mats Zuccarello: Scored the game-winning goal in overtime, marking his eighth career OT winner.
- Kirill Kaprizov: Assisted on three Wild goals, showcasing his playmaking ability.
- Quinn Hughes: Scored to tie the game with under a minute left in the second period, demonstrating critical timing.
- Filip Gustavsson: Recorded 20 saves, facing a flurry of shots in the first and third periods.
Game Progression
The Wild began strong but faced adversity with a series of penalties. They initially took a lead through Foligno’s goal but quickly found themselves tied after a flurry of Buffalo goals.
After a dominating first period that saw the Wild withstand penalties, they regained momentum with effective teamwork. A late goal from Hughes tied the game going into the final frame, which precipitated a tense overtime period.
Injury Concerns for the Wild
The absence of several key players due to health issues was a significant narrative leading into this match. Coach John Hynes confirmed that the team was shorthanded and had to rely on its depth.
- Matt Boldy: Expected to miss one to two weeks.
- Joel Eriksson Ek: Close to returning, but not ready for the trip.
- Jonas Brodin: Out week-to-week.
- Marcus Johansson: Ruled out last minute due to sudden health concerns.
Coaching Insights
Coach Hynes emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and discipline despite injuries. He praised his team’s ability to adapt and follow the game plan, expressing confidence in their capabilities in challenging situations.
This win marks a pivotal moment for the Wild, showcasing how even a shorthanded roster can emerge victorious in the face of adversity. The team’s upcoming matches against Toronto and Montreal will be closely watched as they seek to build on this momentum.
