The Wild Warmup is presented by Bryant Heating and Cooling
The Wild's long awaited return to Xcel Energy Center did not disappoint, as the Wild defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 on Friday night in the team's first home game in 26 days.
The two teams meet again on Saturday. It will be the Wild's seventh time playing the Kings this season, in only the team's 18th game.
Friday night's game was much different than the matchup that occurred 10 days ago, when the Wild were 6-5-0 and the Kings were struggling at 4-6-3.
The Kings were coming off a win, and the Wild were preparing to play in its first game in 14 days after 13 players were placed on the COVID-protocol list. The Wild were shorthanded that game, and it showed, as the Kings dominated in a 4-0 win. Los Angeles continued to roll and had a six-game winning streak coming into Friday night. After getting blanked by the Kings in that game, Minnesota knocked off the rust and won four straight games, scoring 5 or more goals in its last three games.
Then came Friday night... and the Wild continued to flex their offensive power, scoring three goals in the first period en route to a 3-1 win, the team's fifth consecutive win.
Minnesota now sits in second place in the West Division with 22 points, trailing Vegas for the division lead by one point.
Kirill Kaprizov opened the scoresheet 12:33 into the first period on a wraparound that exhibited all the hard work and grittiness Kaprizov has showcased in his phenomenal rookie season.
It was Kaprizov's fifth goal of the season and he now has a team-high, and NHL rookie leading, 16 points. He has recorded points in four straight games.
