whims after the game with “Nashville” bypassed the captain “Washington” Alexandra Ovechkina in the current season’s sniper race among Russian NHL players. His brace helped the Wild beat the Predators and cement the club’s position in the Western Conference Cup Eight.
Minnesota rides Caprice
Match “Minnesota” with “Nashville” was with accents. Between these teams, there is a fierce fight for a place in the playoffs. Minnesota was ranked eighth in the West going into the game with 63 points in 55 games. Nashville is a direct contender who was in 10th place in the Western Conference before the game, five points behind (58 in 53 games).
Interestingly, after a stellar weekend in Florida, Minnesota scored one goal (four times) and two goals (three times) in seven games. That’s an incredible drop in performance. The attack at the Wild in February doesn’t really work. Besides, Kirill Kaprizov didn’t look so bad in this series of seven matches (4 + 1 = 5 points). But that suggests Minnesota is rolling on Caprice, but there’s no balance on offense.
… In general, from the start of the third period, it looked like the Wild would easily lead the way to victory. The hosts led 3:1. Kaprizov by this time had already scored a double. Early on, he converted the majority when he picked up a bouncing orphan puck and played on the knockouts. And then he ran into the attack and hit Yuse Saros’ gate with a well-aimed wrist throw.
That’s right, then Nashville went on and scored two goals, tying the score. He was already going into overtime, but Minnesota forward Ryan Hartman scored the fourth goal (4:3) 21 seconds before the siren.
Kirill isn’t ready to break a personal best just yet
At the end of this match, Kirill Kaprizov topped the ranking of the best Russian snipers in the championship (33 goals), overtaking Washington captain Alexander Ovechkin (32), who was leaving for Moscow for his father’s funeral.
If Kaprizov throws a hot shot, he can even compete for the Maurice Richard Trophy – the award for the league’s top marksman. Although he is now ahead of Leon Draisaitl (33 points but fewer appearances), Bo Horvath and Jason Robertson (34 goals each), Jack Hughes (35), Taige Thompson and Mikko Rantanen (36 each), David Pastrnak (39) and Connor McDavid (42).
However, this season, one can only dream of someone challenging Edmonton’s McDavid.
“When we’re 3-1 with less than 10 minutes left and they’re 3-3, it’s always tough mentally,” Minnesota goaltender Philip Gustafsson said. “It’s good that Hartsey saved us all at the last minute. It’s a huge relief that we didn’t have to play extra time anymore.”
Over the past nine days, Minnesota has taken the matter to a shootout three times, while picking up two wins.
Overall, the Wild are in a good position to make the playoffs. If it started tomorrow, then Minnesota would face Vegas, which they’ve already lost a first-round series in 2021.
Kaprizov himself now has 66 points (33+33) in 56 matches. If he continues at the same pace, he can score 97 points. You can’t beat a personal best like that, last season Kirill had 108 points (47 + 61. But, as Kaprizov himself says, the main thing is that Minnesota wins. Read his interview here.
Kaprizov: “When there are victories, they inspire”
Kirill, you managed to score some crazy goals in this game…
– Of course, it’s good that we scored at the end. But I wish it didn’t come to that. We are making big gains. We were leading 3:1. You had to score in the majority, and it would certainly have been much easier to bring him to victory. We still have to learn that.
— Your second goal was particularly good.
– In the first half, I had a similar moment. I threw the keeper higher, but didn’t score. And then I decided to act according to the situation. I saw an open corner and thought I had to get there.
Minnesota haven’t scored much lately, but you’re constantly hitting the net. Do you feel the pressure that depends a lot on you?
– I think if everyone tries and works, trains, loves hockey, then these goals will come. Well, yeah, not everyone scores, I can do that. But above all, if we win, at least let the goalkeeper score. Never mind !
However, we have lost a lot of games lately. I think it’s important to relax, just enjoy the game and enjoy the times and the place where we are now.
– And you’re still in the playoff zone.
There are always ups and downs in life. We have to get through this the right way and show the character that we can handle it.
– How to win games in regular time without going to overtime? Now it has happened.
– I have already said that we should score more at the start of the match. And I had chances, even in the third period, and the majority could be scored. Somewhere to continue playing further, as we did in the first period and at the start of the second. When you are leading, you don’t need to relax, to go on the defensive. I don’t know what’s happening to us. We have to play aggressive and determined, as we know how to do.
– Do you think Minnesota is improving and will definitely make the playoffs? Is there confidence in this?
– Of course, it’s great. I’ve always said that winning brings confidence. You say yourself that Minnesota players can’t score goals, only I can. But I think winning is so inspiring that everyone can score and enjoy the game. As they say, let’s see what we can do.
Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
