Wild's Swedish Stars Shine in Victory Over Avalanche
The Minnesota Wild returned to NHL action with a bang, securing a decisive 5-2 win against the division-leading Colorado Avalanche. This victory was powered by standout performances from Swedish Olympians Joel Eriksson Ek and Filip Gustavsson.
Eriksson Ek found the net twice, while Gustavsson was a wall in goal, making an impressive 44 saves. Mats Zuccarello added an insurance goal, and Matt Boldy sealed the deal with two empty-netters, helping the Wild leap over Dallas and close in on the Avalanche in the Central Division standings. Despite the win, Colorado still holds two games in hand over Minnesota.
Reflecting on the game, Boldy, who contributed to four of the five goals, said, “I think it speaks to our team and what we’re all about. The way we played from top to bottom, that’s an unbelievable team that pushes the pace and has so much offensive ability.”
The Wild faced an early challenge, being outshot 9-1. A key moment came when Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar stumbled, allowing a 2-on-1 break. Boldy’s cross-ice pass to Marcus Johansson resulted in a near miss, with Johansson’s shot hitting the post.
Despite two unsuccessful power plays in the first period, Gustavsson's stellar goaltending kept the score tied at zero heading into the first intermission.
Minnesota seized the momentum in the second period. After Makar was penalized for slashing, Eriksson Ek capitalized on the power play, scoring off a rebound from a Boldy shot. However, Colorado’s Martin Necas responded, leveling the score with a well-placed shot over Gustavsson’s shoulder.
Late in the second period, a series of penalties gave the Wild a significant advantage. Eriksson Ek took full advantage, banking the puck off Mackenzie Blackwood’s leg to regain the lead.
“I saw his leg was kind of far out, but I also saw a lot of guys in there,” Eriksson Ek explained. “So, I’m just trying to get it in the net.”
Quinn Hughes extended his franchise-best assist streak to 11 games with a helper on the goal.
Despite feeling under the weather, Gustavsson’s performance was crucial. He left the ice with just over a minute remaining, and Jesper Wallstedt stepped in, facing two shots and conceding a second goal to Necas.
“He’s a beast,” Hughes praised Gustavsson. “He just played great. You saw it.”
The Wild had been on a hot streak before the Olympic break, posting an 8-1-1 record in their last ten games. They look to continue their momentum against the Mammoth in Utah on Friday night.