Minnesota
Kirill Kaprizov's Go-Ahead Goal Leads Minnesota Wild to Victory over Pittsburgh Penguins | World News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: In a thrilling matchup in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Minnesota Wild clinched a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, with Kirill Kaprizov emerging as the hero with the go-ahead goal midway through the third period.
Kaprizov’s decisive strike, accompanied by goals from Matt Boldy and Jonas Brodin, propelled the Wild to their second consecutive win following the NHL All-Star break.The electric atmosphere was further enhanced by the Wild’s celebration of “Marc-Andre Fleury Night,” paying tribute to the veteran goaltender with pregame ceremonies and heartfelt video tributes. Fleury, living up to the occasion, showcased his brilliance by turning away 34 of the 36 shots fired by his former team, securing his 553rd career win in an impressive display between the pipes.
Pittsburgh, despite spirited efforts, fell short in their quest for victory, with Reilly Smith and Sidney Crosby notching goals for the Penguins. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic made 27 saves but couldn’t prevent the Penguins from succumbing to defeat.
The Wild drew first blood with a power-play goal late in the first period, as Kaprizov orchestrated a slick pass to Boldy, who rifled home a wrist shot from the slot. However, Pittsburgh quickly responded in the second period, as Evgeni Malkin set up Smith for a thunderous one-timer, leveling the score at 1-1.
Undeterred, the Wild surged ahead once more midway through the second period, with Brodin exhibiting his offensive prowess by maneuvering past defenders for a skillful finish, reclaiming the lead for Minnesota.
The relentless Penguins fought back early in the third period, with Crosby capitalizing on the power play to knot the game at 2-2. Yet, it was Kaprizov who proved to be the difference-maker, seizing the moment with a timely goal off a broken play, restoring the Wild’s lead and ultimately securing the crucial victory.
Kaprizov’s clutch performance, coupled with stellar contributions from Boldy and Brodin, propelled the Wild to triumph, showcasing their resilience and determination against a formidable opponent in the Penguins.
(Inputs from Reuters)
Kaprizov’s decisive strike, accompanied by goals from Matt Boldy and Jonas Brodin, propelled the Wild to their second consecutive win following the NHL All-Star break.The electric atmosphere was further enhanced by the Wild’s celebration of “Marc-Andre Fleury Night,” paying tribute to the veteran goaltender with pregame ceremonies and heartfelt video tributes. Fleury, living up to the occasion, showcased his brilliance by turning away 34 of the 36 shots fired by his former team, securing his 553rd career win in an impressive display between the pipes.
Pittsburgh, despite spirited efforts, fell short in their quest for victory, with Reilly Smith and Sidney Crosby notching goals for the Penguins. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic made 27 saves but couldn’t prevent the Penguins from succumbing to defeat.
The Wild drew first blood with a power-play goal late in the first period, as Kaprizov orchestrated a slick pass to Boldy, who rifled home a wrist shot from the slot. However, Pittsburgh quickly responded in the second period, as Evgeni Malkin set up Smith for a thunderous one-timer, leveling the score at 1-1.
Undeterred, the Wild surged ahead once more midway through the second period, with Brodin exhibiting his offensive prowess by maneuvering past defenders for a skillful finish, reclaiming the lead for Minnesota.
The relentless Penguins fought back early in the third period, with Crosby capitalizing on the power play to knot the game at 2-2. Yet, it was Kaprizov who proved to be the difference-maker, seizing the moment with a timely goal off a broken play, restoring the Wild’s lead and ultimately securing the crucial victory.
Kaprizov’s clutch performance, coupled with stellar contributions from Boldy and Brodin, propelled the Wild to triumph, showcasing their resilience and determination against a formidable opponent in the Penguins.
(Inputs from Reuters)