Alex Bader
The Minnesota Wild won their fourth straight game on Wednesday, by beating the struggling Arizona Coyotes by a score of 5-2. They improve to 9-3 on the season, it is Minnesota's best start to a season since the 06'-07' season.
The Minnesota Wild were riding a 3-game winning streak coming into tonight's game. They were playing the worst team in the league, the Arizona Coyotes. Anything less than a win would be a disappointment - The Coyotes had one win coming into the game.
Getting off to a hot start and setting the tone early would be the biggest key in the game.
Minnesota did just that.
The Wild got a power-play four minutes into the game, and Eriksson Ek capitalized on the man advantage to give the Wild the early lead, 1-0. Spurgeon tipped the pass to Ek who ripped an absolute snipe into the top right corner of the net from the circle.
Minnesota continued to pressure and got another tally to double their lead, 2-0.
On a delayed penalty call, Jon Merrill ripped a slapper from the point that deflected off of Foligno - who screened Vejmelka. It was Foligno's fifth goal of the season. Fiala and Merrill had the helpers.
The game had a home crowd feel to it. After the goals, there was a huge roar from the crowd. There was even a 'let's go Wild' chant that erupted around the stadium. The Minnesota faithful were making themselves heard.
Seconds after the Wild had a chance to make it 3-0, Andrew Ladd got a breakaway and made it count - he buried a quick wrist shot underneath Kahkonen's glove.
Minnesota had the 2-1 lead with just over five minutes to play in the first period.
Minnesota had several chances but only buried two goals, they could have had two or three more.
It was a solid period against a desperate and struggling Arizona team.
Minnesota went into the second period with a 2-1 lead, they left some hope for Arizona.
The Wild needed to come out in the second and remove any hope that the Coyotes had.
The Wild started where they left off.
Kevin Fiala scored an absolute Wowza of a goal, he swatted it out of the air with the backhand.
There is no doubt that the goal will be replayed on his highlight reel over and over again.
Just 46 seconds later, Kulikov scored his first goal of the season and first with his new team.
With 10 minutes left in the second period, Minnesota had the lead over Arizona, 4-1.
Minnesota had to kill back-to-back penalties late in the period.
Kaprizov drew a power-play with three minutes to play in the second with a chance to extend the lead.
Kahkonen robbed Crouse on a breakaway with the glove to keep the Wild lead at three.
Minnesota drew another penalty and had a 5 on 3 man advantage.
Kaprizov made it look easy and extended the lead to four, 5-1 Wild.
Kaprizov had enormous applause from the Wild fans in the crowd when his goal was announced.
Minnesota went into the third period with a big lead and a shortened power-play chance.
Minnesota didn't extend their lead.
Minnesota kept pushing and forcing chances.
Gostisbehere scored for Arizona with just under 13 minutes left in the game, 5-2 Minnesota.
The third period was not the most eventful period, but the Wild did what they needed to and came away with two points.
Minnesota overcame Arizona by 5-2.
Fiala had 3 points with a goal and two assists. Kahkonen got his second straight win in what was his second straight start.
It was a team effort and Minnesota had several players who got points. Spurgeon, Merrill, and Zuccarello each had two assists.
BADER'S TAKE
Solid game all around.
It was a solid game from the Wild. They came out early and played their game - I was worried if they would drop to Arizona's level. They got the lead early and never looked back.
It was a solid team effort, with 10 players with points.
The defenseman continue to be a huge part of the Minnesota Wild's success. The Wild defense leads the league in 10 goals scored and they have 38 points.
Fiala finally scored a goal since opening night - a span of 11 games - with an absolute stunner. He looked eager and great all night and hopefully this game and goal will spur him into scoring more.
It was a solid game but we need to be realistic about who the opponent was. The Arizona Coyotes are most likely the worst team in the NHL. They have a record of 1-11-1 and a goal differential of minus 33. They are in the beginning phase of a rebuild, so as good and solid as the win was tonight, it is nothing to get hyped over.
This was a game where the Wild were supposed to win, they simply needed to come to do their job and get the two points.
The real test comes in the coming days, starting Thursday night in Vegas against the Knights- who did not play the night prior.
They will play Seattle on Saturday.
Minnesota will look to go for their fifth straight win when they face-off against the knights. Hopefully, they can ride the momentum and be prepared for a tough challenge.
What's Next:
Minnesota (9-3 18 points) at Vegas ( 7-6 14 points ) Thursday Nov. 11th, puck drop is at 9 p. m. central time.
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