NHL Roundup: Wild Edge Canes in Shootout
Jesper Wallstedt made 42 saves through regulation and overtime, then stopped all three shots he faced in the shootout to lead the Minnesota Wild to a 4-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Matt Boldy scored during regulation and netted the only goal in the shootout, helping Minnesota secure its third consecutive win.
Key Players and Highlights
- Mats Zuccarello contributed a goal and an assist, while Brock Faber also scored for the Wild.
- Wallstedt's performance was crucial during overtime and the shootout, including key saves against Jackson Blake's breakaway late in overtime.
- Jackson Blake led Carolina with two goals; Sebastian Aho also scored.
- Frederik Andersen, Carolina's goaltender, allowed three goals on 18 shots.
Game Progression
The Wild took an early lead 1:54 into the first period when Faber redirected Zuccarello’s long shot. Boldy added his first career short-handed goal to make it 2-0 with 8:14 remaining in the first. Carolina responded with Blake’s tip-in at 5:57 in the second period.
Early in the third period, Minnesota extended the lead to 3-1 before Aho scored to bring Carolina within one goal at 3-2 with 13:26 left. Carolina pulled their goalie for an extra attacker in the final two minutes, a tactic that paid off as Blake tied the game at 3-3 with 1:06 remaining.
"Blake evened the score at 3-all when he tapped the puck between just past the goal line with 1:06 to go."
Overtime and Shootout
In overtime, Wallstedt denied Blake on a crucial breakaway with a kick save. The shootout saw Wallstedt stop every shot he faced, while Boldy scored the only shootout goal to clinch the win for Minnesota.
"Wallstedt shined during overtime and the shootout."
Author’s summary: Jesper Wallstedt’s stellar goalkeeping and Matt Boldy’s scoring propelled the Minnesota Wild to a thrilling shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, marking their third straight victory.