Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas (Game 5 Recap)

🏆 Final Score🏆
Minnesota Wild 2 – Vegas 3 (OT)

💬 Water Cooler One-Liner:

So close you could feel it — Hartman’s go-ahead goal called back for offsides before Vegas stuns the Wild in OT.

📊 Quick Hits – Game at a Glance:

• Winner: Brett Howden (One-timer from the slot at 4:05 OT)

• Turning Point: Hartman’s goal reversed for offside with 1:15 left in regulation

• Standout Stat: Wild blocked 25 shots, their most this series

• Goaltending Anchor: Marc-Andre Fleury stepped in cold and nearly stole the game, stopping 6 of 7 in relief

🔑 3 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Gut Punch Reversal: Hartman’s potential series-altering goal was wiped due to Nyquist entering the zone early — a tough break with 75 seconds left.

2️⃣ Defensive Standoff: Despite being outshot, the Wild threw their bodies in front of pucks all night, registering 25 blocks and holding Vegas to just 3 shots in the third.

3️⃣ Boldy’s Big Goal: Matt Boldy continues to shine, tying the game early in the third with a slick finish around Pietrangelo.

⭐ Three Stars of the Game:

1. ⭐ B. Howden (VGK • Center): 1 goal (OT game-winner)

2. ⭐ J. Eichel (VGK • Center): 2 assists

3. ⭐ M. Stone (VGK • RW): 1 goal

📰 Around the Team:

• Unexpected Twist: Gustavsson was pulled due to illness after 2 periods; Fleury entered cold and nearly played the hero.

• Line Shuffling: Rookie Zeev Buium was scratched; Jon Merrill took his spot in the lineup.

🎯 Stat Spotlight:

• Kaprizov Keeps Rolling: Extended his playoff point streak to 5 games with a first-period goal.

• Penalty Kill Dominates: Wild PK went 3-for-3, again a bright spot.

• Boldy’s 5 Goals: Now tied for the NHL postseason lead — he’s been unstoppable this series.

🔍 What This Win Means:

⚠️ Facing Elimination – Vegas leads the series 3-2, and the Wild must win Game 6 at home to force a Game 7.

⚠️ Mental Resilience – Another overtime loss after a reversal could shake lesser teams.

⚠️ Must-Win Moment – The season comes down to Thursday night at the X.

🔥 Next Up:
• Opponent: Vegas Golden Knights (Game 6)
• Time: May 1st
• Time: 6:30PM
• Location: Home Ice

📬 Final Whistle:
The dream was inches away — but now it’s war. The Wild return home with backs against the wall and the crowd behind them. Game 6 is everything.

Stay tuned to Wild Hockey Insider for your playoff pulse. Let’s get back in this.