The Minnesota Wild returned to Xcel Energy Center on Thursday night for the start of a four-game homestand, and they made sure the home crowd went home happy-even if it took a little extra time to get there.
Fresh off a 2-1 road trip, the Wild welcomed the Detroit Red Wings in a late-night matchup that had all the makings of a grind-it-out battle. Detroit came in on the second half of a back-to-back, and Minnesota looked to take advantage. But the real story was the fight-the kind of resilience that has defined this Wild team when they’re at their best.
Fighting Back, Again and Again
This one didn’t come easy. The Red Wings struck first and kept punching, but each time they landed a blow, the Wild answered right back.
That second period could’ve been the turning point-for the worse. Detroit grabbed a go-ahead goal, and it would've been easy for Minnesota to sag a bit.
Instead, they came out in the third with renewed energy and tied it up quickly, thanks to Mats Zuccarello, who was already on the scoresheet with an assist.
Detroit responded with a goal of their own to make it 3-2, but Zuccarello wasn’t done. He buried another to tie things up again, showing the kind of veteran poise and production that’s made him such a key part of this lineup.
Minnesota had chances to win it in regulation, but Cam Talbot-facing the team that traded him away in 2022-stood tall in net for the Red Wings. So it went to overtime, where Kirill Kaprizov reminded everyone why he wears the superstar label. After taking a slick feed from Quinn Hughes, Kaprizov weaved through the offensive zone and finished it off with a highlight-reel goal that sealed the win and sent the building into a frenzy.
Head coach John Hynes acknowledged the energy in the arena postgame, saying, “We certainly appreciate our fans… for the place to basically be packed, and great energy in the building like you said on a freezing cold night at an 8:30, 8:42 puck drop, I’m glad we were able to come through for the fans tonight.”
Kaprizov and Hughes: A Star-Powered Connection
We’ve grown used to seeing Kaprizov and Zuccarello light it up together, but Thursday night added a new wrinkle to that storyline: Quinn Hughes. The dynamic defenseman was everywhere, collecting assists on three of the Wild’s four goals, including the game-winner in overtime. His mobility and edgework created time and space all night, and Kaprizov took full advantage.
Both stars finished with three points. Kaprizov had two goals and an assist, while Hughes dished out three helpers and looked every bit the elite blueliner Minnesota hoped he’d be when they brought him in. As their chemistry continues to build, the Wild are starting to unlock a new level of offensive potential.
Coach Hynes, who previously coached Roman Josi in Nashville, was asked postgame if he’d seen a defenseman skate like Hughes. His response was telling: “Just Hughes’ mobility and his edgework is what I think separates him… that allows him to be able to make those types of plays, and spin out of things.”
That’s high praise, and it’s earned. Hughes and Kaprizov are becoming a must-watch duo.
Hartman Making His Mark-The Right Way
Ryan Hartman’s name used to come up for all the wrong reasons-penalties, suspensions, and moments where his intensity crossed the line. But lately, he’s flipped the script. He’s still playing hard, still bringing that edge, but he’s doing it with discipline and purpose.
Against Detroit, Hartman stood out not for goals or assists, but for the kind of all-around effort that wins games. He blocked shots, hustled back on defense when teammates got caught up ice, and made smart, physical plays without stepping over the line. On at least one occasion, he beat the defense back to break up a Red Wings scoring chance.
That kind of effort has earned him a spot on the top power-play unit-a role he’s held onto even with Joel Eriksson Ek returning to the lineup. And according to Hynes, that’s no accident: “I think the unit’s been clicking… Hartsy’s been good there… when the power play’s clicking we just didn’t feel like we should break it up and they came through again tonight.”
It’s a testament to Hartman’s evolution. He’s found a way to contribute that goes beyond the scoresheet, and it’s making a real impact.
What’s Next
The Wild stay home for three more games over the next week and a half, starting with a marquee matchup against the Florida Panthers on Hockey Day Minnesota this Saturday. Another late puck drop awaits, but if Thursday night was any indication, the Wild are just fine with that.
Kaprizov is heating up. Hughes is settling in.
The team is getting healthier. And if they keep showing the kind of fight they did against Detroit, this homestand could be a turning point in their season.