Either way, the team stirred from its recent snoozefest to debut its best start thus far and then weathered a wave of adversity en route to a 5-3 win over the Kings on Thursday at Xcel Energy Center, earning back the two points it lost in the first game of the series.
After consecutive penalties at the beginning of the period, the Wild's manpower took a permanent hit when Kevin Fiala was ejected.
On the ensuing five-minute power play, Drew Doughty's shot rolled five-hole on goalie Kaapo Kahkonen to move the Kings within a goal of the Wild at 3-2.
In his best game with the Wild, Marcus Johansson got the ball rolling, throwing a puck on net from the point that eluded Quick at 3:33.
And then at 12:55, rookie Kirill Kaprizov finished off a smooth pass from Johansson for his second goal of the season and first since his overtime winner in Game 1 vs. the Kings.
By this point, the Kings were missing Roy and Sean Walker, who took a Dumba shot to the face early in the third — leaving a trail of blood in his wake.
- Kings lose two players to scary-looking injuries in loss to WildLA Daily News
- Kaprizov caps big 1st period, Wild beat Kings 5-3Washington Post
- Los Angeles Kings defensemen Matt Roy, Sean Walker leave game after scary injuries vs. Minnesota WildUSA TODAY
- Wild ride fast start to important 5-3 win over KingsTwinCities.com-Pioneer Press
- Wild winger Kevin Fiala gets game misconduct after dangerous hitMinneapolis Star Tribune
- Wild put an end to skid with win over KingsBrainerd Dispatch
- Wild end skid with win over KingsTheChronicleHerald.ca
- Wild salvage series split with KingsBring Me The News
- a Spectacular Goalie Save from Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Florida PanthersYahoo Sports
