ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Night of Milestones and Misfortunes for the Minnesota Wild
In a night that was meant to celebrate milestones, the Minnesota Wild found themselves grappling with misfortune as they faced off against the Seattle Kraken. The game marked a significant milestone for Joel Eriksson Ek, the Wild’s standout center, as he played in his 500th NHL game. However, the evening took a turn when Eriksson Ek was elbowed in the face by Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson during the second period, forcing him to miss the remainder of the game.
The Injury That Changed the Game
Eriksson Ek’s injury was a bitter pill for the Wild to swallow, especially considering the timing. After missing the final 12:45 of the second period, he returned for a brief stint in the third period, donning a full face shield. Unfortunately, he played only one shift before exiting for good. The impact of his absence was felt immediately, as the Wild struggled to maintain their momentum.
Adding to the frustration, the referees missed the initial infraction on Eriksson Ek, only to call a questionable tripping penalty on Jonas Brodin just eight seconds later. This led to a power-play goal by Jordan Eberle, tying the game and shifting the momentum in favor of the Kraken. Brodin expressed his disappointment, recounting his conversation with the referee, who admitted to seeing the wrong stick during the play. “It’s tough,” Brodin said. “Unfortunately, they scored.”
A Rollercoaster of a Game
What followed was a chaotic back-and-forth battle on the ice. The Wild, who had initially taken a two-goal lead, found themselves in a precarious position as they relinquished both a two-goal advantage and two separate one-goal leads. The game ultimately ended in a 5-4 shootout loss, leaving the Wild to ponder what could have been had Eriksson Ek remained in the lineup.
Jared McCann’s late-game heroics tied the score with a stunning shot past Marc-Andre Fleury, who had a challenging night in goal. Fleury, making his season debut at 39 years old, stopped 30 of 34 shots but faced relentless pressure from the Kraken’s offense.
Stars Shine Amidst the Chaos
Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Wild. Kirill Kaprizov continued to showcase his elite playmaking ability, contributing one goal and two assists. His chemistry with Mats Zuccarello and Matt Boldy was evident, as the trio combined for a staggering 12 points in just two games. Their opening goal was a testament to their skill, with Kaprizov feeding Zuccarello for a beautiful shot that found the back of the net.
Boldy also made his mark, scoring a goal and providing an assist, while Marco Rossi added two assists to his tally. The Wild’s offense was dynamic, but the defensive lapses and missed opportunities ultimately cost them the game.
Navigating the Injury Bug
Eriksson Ek’s injury comes at a particularly challenging time for the Wild. Last season, they faced a barrage of injuries early on, and now, with Eriksson Ek potentially sidelined, the team must adapt quickly. The Wild are set to embark on a grueling seven-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the Winnipeg Jets. If Eriksson Ek is unable to play, rookie Liam Ohgren may be called up, although his natural position as a winger complicates matters. The coaching staff may need to consider moving players around or even pulling a center from their AHL affiliate in Iowa.
Coach John Hynes had praised Eriksson Ek prior to the game, highlighting his importance to the team’s success. “He’s a hard player to find,” Hynes remarked, emphasizing Eriksson Ek’s two-way game and ability to perform in critical situations. Losing such a player early in the season is a significant blow to the Wild’s aspirations.
The Goaltending Conundrum
As the Wild prepare for their upcoming games, they face another challenge: managing their goaltending situation. With Fleury starting against the Kraken, Filip Gustavsson is expected to take the net against the Jets. Rookie Jesper Wallstedt is slated to back him up unless roster adjustments are needed. Hynes acknowledged the complexities of carrying three goalies, especially with two young players like Wallstedt and Ohgren eager to make their mark.
Quotes of the Night
The emotional rollercoaster of the game was encapsulated in the players’ post-game reflections. Marcus Foligno expressed his frustration over the missed calls, stating, “It’s tough because it’s common sense, right? … There’s going to be calls that go against you, and you just gotta be mentally sharper.” Ryan Hartman echoed a sense of optimism, noting, “This game was way better than our first. We’re going to keep building and head out onto the road.”
Looking Ahead
As the Wild navigate the challenges of injuries and roster adjustments, they remain focused on building momentum. The chemistry among their top players is undeniable, and if they can overcome the setbacks, they have the potential to be a formidable force in the NHL this season. The upcoming road trip will be a crucial test for the team as they strive to find their rhythm and secure valuable points in the standings.