ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild clinched a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames in a shootout at the Xcel Energy Center on Thursday, with Matt Boldy scoring in his third consecutive game. Mats Zuccarello and Boldy each found the net in the decisive shootout.
Boldy, celebrating his recent scoring form, credited the win to the team’s collective effort and desperation to maintain their winning streak. Marco Rossi also scored for the Wild, while Filip Gustavsson made 35 saves, contributing to Minnesota’s success. The Wild, under coach John Hynes since November 27, have now won six of their past eight games, improving their record to 11-12-4.
The Flames, despite a valiant effort, extended their losing streak with this defeat. Yegor Sharangovich continued his scoring run with a goal and an assist, and Blake Coleman also scored. Goalkeeper Dan Vladar saved 30 shots for Calgary, who now sit at 11-14-5, having lost four straight and six of their last seven games.
Boldy opened the scoring for Minnesota with a wrist shot at 4:42 of the first period. Calgary responded with vigor, and Sharangovich tied the game at 1-1 with a power-play goal in the second period. Coleman then gave the Flames a brief lead in the third period with a fortuitous deflection, but Rossi responded for the Wild just 45 seconds later to tie the game at 2-2.
Both teams displayed resilience, with Calgary’s coach Ryan Huska acknowledging their slow start but appreciating their overall game. He felt the Flames deserved the extra point, highlighting the closely contested nature of the match.
Gustavsson’s crucial save in the second period, confirmed after a video review, was a pivotal moment, preventing Calgary from taking an early lead.
In the notes, Boldy’s scoring prowess was highlighted as he scored his sixth goal since December 1, tying with Jake Guentzel for the second-most goals in that span. Rossi’s goal solidified his position as one of the top-performing rookies this season. On the Flames’ side, Sharangovich’s scoring streak continued, putting him in elite company in Calgary’s history, while Elias Lindholm’s face-off efficiency and shot count were significant contributions.
This game exemplified the competitiveness of the NHL, with both teams showcasing their strengths and the Wild ultimately prevailing in the shootout. The Wild’s recent form under Hynes’ coaching suggests a positive trajectory, while the Flames will look to reverse their fortunes in upcoming games.
