The Minnesota Wild finally showcased their full roster, and they made it count in dramatic fashion. Facing off against the reigning two-time Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, the Wild secured a thrilling 3-2 victory with a last-second goal that left fans buzzing.
Joel Eriksson Ek became the hero of the night, netting the game-winner with just five seconds left on the clock. This clutch play not only sealed the Wild's first win on their three-game road trip but also set a new franchise record for the latest go-ahead goal. Eriksson Ek's timely score broke the previous mark set by Marcus Foligno in 2021.
“It’s weird,” goalie Jesper Wallstedt admitted post-game. “You’re kind of mentally getting ready for 3-on-3. Obviously, we score that goal and you’re like, ‘Let’s skip that and just take the win.’”
The game was a rollercoaster, especially after Aaron Ekblad tied it up for the Panthers with a one-timer just over a minute before the final buzzer. But Eriksson Ek was ready, pouncing on a rebound from a Brock Faber shot to crush Florida’s comeback hopes.
Ryan Hartman expressed the team’s desire to finish strong, saying, “We’d like to finish the game with an empty-netter. But we responded great, scoring right before overtime.”
Marcus Foligno’s return was pivotal, as he not only found the back of the net but also shared the ice with his brother, Nick, on a dynamic line alongside Yakov Trenin. Hartman added another goal, while Wallstedt’s solid performance in net, with 18 saves, marked his first win since January 31.
Despite the victory, the night wasn’t without its challenges. Captain Jared Spurgeon left the game early after a collision that sent him crashing face-first into the post. His early exit was a reminder of the physical toll the game can take, but the Wild's ability to rally showcased their resilience and potential when at full strength.