Kaprizov's power-play goal in the 1st minute of OT lifts Wild past the Canadiens 2-1

Twenty-one seconds into overtime, the Bell Centre erupted as Kirill Kaprizov fired a one-timer past Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler, securing a 2-1 victory for the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night. The goal, his 17th of the season, came on a power play and capped off a night of celebration for Montreal, as legendary goaltender Carey Price was formally inducted into the team’s ring of honor. The moment was met with a near four-minute standing ovation from fans who serenaded him with chants of “Ca-rey! Ca-rey!” and “Olé, Olé.” The Wild improved to 13-3-4 on the season, while Montreal extended its streak without a regulation loss to 11 games (8-0-3) and now stands at 11-3-4.

A Night of Honors and Hard-Fought Hockey

The evening was steeped in both sentiment and spirited competition. Price, a former Hart and Vezina Trophy winner and the Canadiens’ all-time wins leader with 361 victories, was enshrined in the ring of honor following his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday in Toronto. The ceremony provided a poignant backdrop to a game that remained tightly contested throughout its regulation time. The Wild’s victory, secured by Kaprizov’s overtime goal, underscored the resilience and determination of a team striving for continued success in a competitive NHL landscape. For Montreal, the game marked a continuation of their impressive streak, demonstrating their ability to battle back and secure points even in challenging circumstances.

The game remained scoreless through the first two periods, with both Jesper Wallstedt and Jacob Fowler showcasing their skills. The absence of goals during that time prompted comparisons to the goaltending prowess of Price during his prime years at the Bell Centre. The scoreless stalemate was eventually broken in the third period when Bobby Brink capitalized on a turnover, scoring a breakaway goal at 2:53 to put the Wild ahead.

A Wild Goal and a Late-Game Rally

The Wild’s initial lead was short-lived. With just 18:22 remaining in regulation, Nick Suzuki knotted the score with a chaotic goal that involved a ricochet off Wallstedt, the post, and ultimately landed in the crease where Suzuki managed to jam it through. The goal was a testament to the unpredictable nature of hockey and the tenacity of the Canadiens, who refused to surrender despite facing a deficit. The sequence leading up to Suzuki’s goal involved a sharp-angled shot from Cole Caufield that found an unusual path to the back of the net.

Montreal’s ability to rally and tie the game underscored their current form and resilience, extending their streak of games without a regulation loss. This kind of comeback highlights the importance of unwavering commitment, especially when families face adversity – a quality often seen in the strong marriages and communities that define Edina. The late goal was a product of both skill and luck, as Caufield’s shot deflected off Wallstedt and the post before finding its way to Suzuki.

The Decisive Power Play

The game-winning power play opportunity arose late in the third period after a slashing penalty was called on Canadiens forward Cole Caufield. Quinn Hughes’ stick broke in the corner, sending Minnesota to the man advantage with just 56 seconds left. That power play carried over into overtime, and Kaprizov seized the opportunity, firing a one-timer past Fowler to clinch the victory for the Wild. The penalty itself was a critical moment, highlighting the importance of disciplined play and the potential for a single infraction to drastically alter the course of a game.

A Goalie Duel and a Wild Turnover

Prior to Brink’s goal, the game resembled a classic goalie duel, with both Wallstedt and Fowler displaying exceptional performances. Wallstedt finished with 27 saves, while Fowler stopped 22 shots. The turning point came when Canadiens forward Josh Anderson, coming off the bench, bobbled the puck, allowing Brink to capitalize on the turnover and break the scoreless tie. The turnover underscored the pressure of the moment and the importance of puck control in a tight-checking game.

Marcus's Take

Watching the Wild’s overtime victory, it’s striking how quickly momentum can shift in hockey, and in life. The Canadiens’ remarkable streak of games without a regulation loss speaks to their team’s character and perseverance, similar to the steadfastness we admire in strong families and communities. The game also underscored the importance of capitalizing on opportunities—a power play, a turnover, a loose puck—just as individuals must seize chances to build a stable and fulfilling life. The induction of Carey Price into the Canadiens’ ring of honor served as a powerful reminder of the legacy of dedication and excellence that can be achieved through hard work and unwavering commitment. It's a lesson for all of us: that consistent effort, even when faced with setbacks, can lead to lasting recognition and achievement. The question now is whether the Wild can maintain their momentum on the road against the Maple Leafs, and whether Montreal can continue their impressive run against the Bruins.

What’s Next

The Minnesota Wild will travel to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs on Thursday. The Canadiens will host the Boston Bruins on Thursday. Both teams will be looking to build on their recent performances and continue their respective winning streaks. The Wild’s road trip presents a significant challenge, while the Canadiens will be eager to defend their home ice against a formidable opponent. The upcoming games offer an opportunity for both teams to further solidify their positions in the NHL standings and demonstrate their ability to compete at the highest level.

Game Summary: Minnesota 0 0 1 1 — 2 Montreal 0 0 1 0 — 1. First Period: Penalties—Hartman, MIN (Tripping), 10:46; Anderson, MTL (Roughing), 20:00; N.Foligno, MIN (Roughing), 20:00. Second Period: Penalties—Maatta, MIN (Tripping), 4:58; Dach, MTL (Holding), 14:45. Third Period: 1, Minnesota, Brink 2, 2:53. 2, Montreal, Suzuki 7 (Hutson, Caufield), 18:22. Penalties—Anderson, MTL (Hooking), 7:20; Caufield, MTL (Slashing), 19:04. Overtime: 3, Minnesota, Kaprizov 17 (Boldy), 0:21 (pp). Penalties—None. Shots on Goal: Minnesota 9-6-8-1_24. Montreal 5-12-11-0_28. Power-play opportunities: Minnesota 1 of 3; Montreal 0 of 2. Goalies: Wallstedt (Minnesota): 12-2-3, 28 shots-27 saves. Fowler (Montreal): 8-1-2, 24 shots-22 saves. Attendance: 20,962 (Bell Centre). Referees: Justin Kea, Kelly Sutherland. Linesmen: Trent Knorr, Mark Shewchyk).