MN Wild Stun NHL with Thrilling OT Victory—Key Highlights, Stats & What’s Next for Minnesota

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – After snapping a five-game skid with a decisive 5-2 victory over Vancouver on Saturday, the Minnesota Wild welcome the Nashville Predators to Xcel Energy Center tonight in the finale of a four-game homestand. That slump-buster showcased two developments head coach John Hynes has been pleading for: a relentless forecheck led by Kirill Kaprizov’s line and a perfect 3-for-3 night on the penalty kill, the first time since opening week that Minnesota blanked an opponent’s power play. Those special-teams tweaks—shorter shifts, tighter box formation, and Marcus Foligno’s net-front leadership—will be critical against a Predators unit clicking at 24.7 percent. Projected lines keep the red-hot top trio of Kaprizov, Marco Rossi and Mats Zucca­rello intact, while Filip Gustavsson (4-4-2, 2.92 GAA) is expected to oppose Juuse Saros between the pipes. The blue line remains without Jonas Brodin (upper body), so rookie Brock Faber will again log heavy minutes beside captain Jared Spurgeon. Beyond the on-ice urgency—Minnesota sits 7th in the Central Division at 5-6-3—the organization is leaning into its 25th-anniversary campaign. Tonight’s matchup doubles as the second “Retro Night,” featuring North Stars throwback jerseys, discounted 1999-era concessions and a pregame tribute to original Wild captain Wes Walz. Keys to watch • First 10 Minutes: Nashville has struck first in eight of its last nine contests; the Wild are 1-5-1 when trailing after one period. An early Kaprizov power-play marker—Minnesota is 4-0-0 when scoring with the man advantage—could flip that script. • Faceoff Battle: Ryan Hartman (54.8 percent) squares off with Nashville’s Colton Sissons (56.0). Possession off the draw has been Minnesota’s Achilles’ heel during its slide; losing OZ draws led directly to three odd-man rush goals against last week. • Secondary Scoring: While Kaprizov has eight points in his last five, the bottom six owns just three goals since Oct. 20. Watch for Vinnie Hinostroza, elevated to a third-line role after Freddy Gaudreau’s injury, to provide a jolt. Looking ahead, the Wild embark on a daunting four-game trip through the Pacific Division starting Thursday in Edmonton. Banking points tonight could be pivotal before that western swing. Fans who can’t attend can stream the game on Bally Sports North or listen on KFAN 100.3, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. CT. If Minnesota replicates Saturday’s disciplined effort—and keeps the penalty killers perfect—the Wild’s climb back toward a playoff spot may start sooner than later.