ST. PAUL, Minn – The Minnesota Wild celebrated a standout performance in their 6-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday, with forward Kirill Kaprizov making franchise history. In a game that also marked the debut of Quinn Hughes with the Wild, Kaprizov’s contributions were hard to overlook.
Kaprizov, aged 28, showcased his scoring prowess as he netted two goals in the match. His first goal came in the second period, assisted by Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek, following an injury setback for Marcus Johansson. As the game progressed, head coach John Hynes utilized Kaprizov extensively, realigning him with Eriksson Ek and Boldy; a combination known for their impressive performance last season.
In the third period, Kaprizov scored again, bringing his total to 20 goals for the season. This second goal also marked the 205th of his career, placing him in a tie with Mikko Koivu for second place on the Minnesota Wild’s all-time goals list. He now trails only Marian Gaborik, who holds 219 goals. Notably, this recent achievement signifies Kaprizov’s sixth 20-goal season, surpassing both Gaborik and Zach Parise, who each had five, and establishing a new record for the franchise.
The excitement surrounding the team continues to build as they aim for a successful season, with new players like Hughes bringing promise for the future. His debut was met with enthusiasm, and his calm demeanor added to the positive atmosphere in the arena. The Minnesota Wild are demonstrating both talent and determination as they strive for a deep playoff run, reflecting their ambition to compete for the Stanley Cup.
With this victory, the Wild not only reinforced their standing but also set the stage for what looks to be an exhilarating season ahead.