Kirill Kaprizov scored three goals and added an assist as the Minnesota Wild defeated the Florida Panthers 4-1 in the Panthers’ home opener on Saturday night in Sunrise, Florida. Matt Boldy opened the scoring for Minnesota just 53 seconds into the game, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Jesper Wallstedt continued his strong start in goal for the Wild, stopping 28 shots and improving his record to 3-1-1 with a .935 save percentage and a goals-against average of 1.79 over the first five games. Kaprizov doubled the lead with a goal 13:42 into the opening period before adding his second tally five minutes into the second period. He completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal in the final minute of the game.
Matthew Tkachuk scored the lone goal for the Panthers, putting home his own rebound for his third goal of the season. Florida, missing Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand, has struggled offensively with just nine goals in five games and has only led for 8 minutes and 40 seconds across those contests.
Florida’s goaltender Jacob Markstrom stopped 25 shots but could not contain the Wild’s attack. The Panthers failed to convert on five power-play opportunities and remain 1 for 28 on the man advantage this season.
Kaprizov’s three-point game extended a franchise record streak for the Wild. Minnesota’s all-time record when Kaprizov registers at least three points improved to 42-5-2, with Kaprizov achieving this feat 49 times.
The Panthers’ defenseman Aaron Ekblad played his 807th game, surpassing Aleksander Barkov for the most games played in franchise history. Florida was the last NHL team to host a home opener this season, with their first five games all serving as home openers, including matchups against Carolina, San Jose, Anaheim, and Los Angeles.
Minnesota will host Vegas on Monday night, while Florida travels to Buffalo on Monday afternoon.
According to Yahoo Sports.