The Minnesota Wild achieved a 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday, marking their first regulation win against the Stars since November 18, 2021. This game was particularly significant as it showcased the Wild”s ability to control five-on-five play against one of the top teams in the Central Division.
Playing in one of the toughest divisions in the NHL, the Wild”s win is a promising sign, especially considering they were missing key players like Mats Zuccarello, Jake Middleton, Marco Rossi, and Marcus Foligno. “We have belief, and we know what we”re capable of,” said Matt Boldy. “Those teams are the measuring stick. They”re so good. For us to come in and find ways to win, it”s not always pretty. There are ups and downs. The biggest thing for us is to play our game and make it hard on them.”
The Stars entered the matchup with an impressive record, having gone 10-0-5 in their last 15 encounters with the Wild. However, Minnesota controlled the early moments of the game, holding a 9-0 shot advantage midway through the first period. Despite falling behind on Jason Robertson”s power-play goal, the Wild quickly fought back, managing to tie the game twice, including after Miro Heiskanen”s shorthanded goal in the second period.
Coach John Hynes praised the team”s resilience, stating, “There were things where you got a bounce or two, or something didn”t go your way, but we weren”t deterred.” Boldy was instrumental in the victory, contributing assists on the first two goals and later scoring an empty-netter. His consistent performance underscores his potential as a rising star in the league.
Marcus Johansson also made a significant impact, netting two goals, including the game-winner for the second consecutive game. Joel Eriksson Ek scored as well, while Zach Bogosian recorded his first goal of the season. In goal, Filip Gustavsson stopped 16 of 18 shots, securing his second straight win.
The Wild”s video coaches played a crucial role, successfully challenging a goal by Wyatt Johnston in the second period that would have given Dallas a 3-1 lead. Hynes noted that the decision to challenge was made quickly, as the replay showed it was an easy call.
Despite the team”s success at even strength, the Wild struggled on special teams, going 0-for-3 on the power play and allowing a shorthanded goal. Nevertheless, their five-on-five play was impressive, boasting a 13-5 edge in high-danger chances and a significant advantage in expected goals.
Notably, this game marked the first time in 15 games that the Wild departed from their goalie rotation, with Gustavsson earning back-to-back starts. He revealed that he was somewhat surprised by the decision but was eager to play. After a shaky start, he settled down and made crucial saves in the third period to help secure the win.
Johansson, who signed a one-year contract in the summer, has made a significant impact this season, matching his goal tally from the previous two seasons with 11 goals already. Boldy expressed his appreciation for Johansson”s contributions, stating, “I love when he”s on my line. I love the way he plays, creates offense, wins battles, and plays great all over the ice.”
On the injury front, both Zuccarello and Middleton have been placed on injured reserve and will miss at least the next two games due to upper-body injuries. Hynes indicated that both players are “more than day to day.” Rossi participated in his first team skate but remains sidelined, while Foligno and Vinnie Hinostroza have yet to begin skating. In response to these injuries, the Wild have called up Nicolas Aubé-Kubel and defenseman Matt Kiersted from the AHL.
