Episode 82

🏆 Final Score🏆
Minnesota Wild 4 – Carolina Hurricanes 0

💬 Water Cooler One-Liner:

The Wild dominate defensively as Marco Rossi shines with four assists, Mats Zuccarello nets two goals, and Filip Gustavsson earns a shutout in a commanding victory over the Hurricanes.

📊 Quick Hits – Game at a Glance:

• Winner: Mats Zuccarello (2 Goals, 1 Assist)

• Turning Point: Joel Eriksson Ek’s power-play goal in the second period doubled the Wild’s lead and set the tone for the shutout victory.

• Standout Stat: The Wild penalty kill went 4-for-4, holding the Hurricanes’ elite power play to just three shots.

• Goaltending Anchor: Filip Gustavsson stopped all 21 shots, securing his third shutout of the season.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Rossi’s Playmaking Brilliance: Marco Rossi recorded a career-high four assists, showing elite vision and chemistry with Zuccarello and Boldy.

2️⃣ Defensive Masterclass: The Wild defense blocked 17 shots and limited Carolina to just 21 shots on goal, stifling their high-powered offense.

3️⃣ Special Teams Shine: The penalty kill was flawless, and Eriksson Ek’s power-play goal was the breakthrough the Wild needed to control the game.

⭐ Three Stars of the Game:

1. ⭐ F. Gustavsson (MIN • Goalie): 21 saves, shutout, 1.000 SV%

2. ⭐ M. Boldy (MIN • Left Wing): 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points

3. ⭐ M. Rossi (MIN • Center): 4 assists, 4 points

📊 By The Numbers:

• Shots on Goal: Wild 27 – Hurricanes 21
• Power Play: Wild 33.3% (1/3) – Hurricanes 0% (0/4)
• Penalty Minutes: Wild 10 – Hurricanes 8
• Faceoffs: Wild 38.7% – Hurricanes 61.3%
• Hits: Wild 14 – Hurricanes 11
• Blocked Shots: Wild 17 – Hurricanes 12
• Giveaways: Wild 12 – Hurricanes 20
• Takeaways: Wild 3 – Hurricanes 3

📰 Around the Team:

• Kaprizov Update: Kirill Kaprizov remains out with a lower-body injury but is expected to return soon.

• Injury Report: Jared Spurgeon and Jake Middleton remain sidelined as the Wild defense continues to step up in their absence.

• Road Warriors: The Wild improved to 15-3-3 on the road, boasting the league’s best road record.

🎯 Stat Spotlight:

• Defensive Wall: The Wild limited the Hurricanes to just one shot during an early four-minute power play.

• Rossi’s Career Night: Marco Rossi’s four assists marked a career-high and tied him for the most assists in a game by a Wild player.

• Shutout Machine: Filip Gustavsson secured his third shutout this season and extended his road point streak to nine games (7-0-2).

🗓️ Next Up:
• Opponent: St. Louis Blues
• Date: January 7, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM CST
• Where to Watch: FanDuel

📬 Final Whistle:

Fleury and Rossi steal the spotlight in a thrilling showdown against Washington. The Wild continue to find ways to win despite key injuries. Stay tuned for more action in the Wild Hockey Insider! 🏒📣