Kaprizov’s Multi-Goal Performance Sparks Wild Comeback Over Blackhawks

The Minnesota Wild erased a two-goal disadvantage to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2, featuring a Kirill Kaprizov brace and a game-winner with 35.2 seconds left.

Kirill Kaprizov scored two goals and the Minnesota Wild overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 on Friday night. The decisive tally arrived with exactly 35.2 seconds remaining in regulation when Kaprizov fired a shot past Petr Mrazek during a late-game power play. This victory marked Minnesota’s fourth consecutive win and solidified their position in the Central Division standings while handing Chicago their third straight loss.

Chicago established an early lead at the 4:12 mark of the first period when Jason Dickinson capitalized on a rebound. The Blackhawks doubled that advantage midway through the second frame as Connor Bedard assisted Teuvo Teravainen for a wrist shot that beat Marc-Andre Fleury on the glove side. At that juncture, the Wild had been outshot 14-8 and struggled to maintain puck possession in the offensive zone.

The momentum shifted at 16:45 of the second period when Matt Boldy intercepted a clearing attempt and fed Marcus Foligno, who cut the lead to 2-1. Minnesota’s resurgence continued into the third period, where they recorded 15 shots on goal compared to Chicago’s six. The equalizer came from Kaprizov at 7:22 of the final frame, a one-timer from the right circle that utilized a screen by Joel Eriksson Ek.

Statistically, the Wild finished the contest with a 32-22 edge in shots on goal. Marc-Andre Fleury earned the win by stopping 20 of the 22 shots he faced, including a critical breakaway save against Nick Foligno with five minutes left on the clock. Petr Mrazek suffered the loss despite making 29 saves, several of which occurred during a frantic Minnesota power play in the closing stages of the match.

Special teams proved to be the ultimate differentiator in this divisional clash. While Chicago failed to convert on three man-advantage opportunities, Minnesota went 1-for-4, with their lone power-play goal serving as the game-winner. The Wild’s penalty kill remained perfect on the night, successfully neutralizing 5:14 of total shorthanded time.

Kirill Kaprizov’s two-goal night increased his season total to 15, placing him among the top five scorers in the league. His game-winning effort at 19:24 of the third period was his third such goal of the current campaign. This performance also extended his personal point streak to seven games, during which he has accumulated 12 points.

Defensively, Jonas Brodin led all skaters with 24:15 of ice time and blocked four shots to protect the narrow lead in the final seconds. The Blackhawks attempted to pull Mrazek for an extra attacker after Kaprizov’s late goal, but they failed to register a shot in the remaining 35.2 seconds. This result leaves Chicago at the bottom of the division, while Minnesota moves within two points of the conference lead.