12-4 @ Dallas WIN 6-5 S/O
The Wild picked up right where they left off with a shootout victory over Dallas. The Wild were up 5-1 entering the 3rd period so we shouldn’t have needed a shootout or even OT. The defense and Fleury let the Wild down in the 3rd period. Luckily they were able to hold on in the Shootout. Kaprizov has a career-best 12-game points streak (eight goals, 11 assists) and a six-game goal streak. The goal streak matches his franchise record shared with Nino Niederreiter and Brian Rolston.
12-7 @ Calgary LOSS 5-3
The Wild defense and goalies failed the team again as they allowed 5 goals total and 2 in the 3rd period. Kirill Kaprizov extended his goal streak to an NHL-leading seven games for the Wild. I do feel like goaltending is going to be a big issue for us this season. Kaprizov came into the game with 19 points in his last 12 games. He extended his point streak to 13 games when he tipped in a point shot by Matt Dumba 1:27 into the game. Both of Kaprizov’s streaks are franchise records.
12-9 @ Edmonton LOSS 5-2
For as good a week the Wild had last week, this week has been the complete opposite. Other than beating the Stars earlier this week the Wild have lost two in a row and have struggled in the net. They have given up 5 goals in all three games so far this week. Kaprizov ended his franchise-record goal streak at seven games. His point streak is the third longest in the NHL this season, at 14 games. The Oilers ended their 7 game losing streak against the Wild with this win.
12-10 @ Vancouver WIN 3-0
Maybe all the Wild needed was to give Gustavsson a chance in the net. Gustavsson got the shut-out for the Wild his first one this season and of his career. Gustavsson, making his 32nd career start, had four saves in the first period, 19 in the second, and 12 in the third. Kirill Kaprizov saw his franchise-record 14-game point streak end for the Wild. Gustavsson is having a decent season so far he is 5-4-1, .920 save percentage, 2.47 GAA.
The Wild are now 14-11-2 on the season. The Wild will now have three games next week all at home:
12/12 vs Edmonton (16-12-0)
12/14 vs Detroit (13-8-6)
12/16 vs Chicago (7-15-4)
Phil Kujawa