Matt Boldy Hat Trick Powers Wild to 5-4 Win Over Blues

Matt Boldy delivered a spectacular performance, scoring his fifth career hat trick and adding an assist as the Minnesota Wild defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-4 on Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Boldy’s four-point performance helped Minnesota secure an important victory in a tightly contested game that saw the Blues mount a late comeback.

Kirill Kaprizov also played a major role in the Wild’s victory, scoring his third goal in two games and recording two assists. Danila Yurov added a goal, while Quinn Hughes and Joel Eriksson Ek contributed two assists each as Minnesota won three of its last four games.

The Blues fought back late in the third period after falling behind 5-2, scoring twice to make it a one-goal game. However, Minnesota held on to claim the victory and end St. Louis’ three-game point streak.

Matt Boldy Records Fifth Career Hat Trick Against St. Louis

Boldy was the standout performer for Minnesota, finding the back of the net three times and adding an assist in a decisive offensive display. His fifth career hat trick highlighted his importance to the Wild’s attack as the team battled to protect its lead against a determined St. Louis side.

After Jonatan Berggren gave the Blues an early advantage, Boldy tied the game at 1-1 during a five-on-three power play at 7:31 of the first period. He scored with a one-timer from the high slot after receiving a pass from Hughes, who extended his assist streak to eight games.

Boldy struck again early in the second period. Just 27 seconds after Mason McTavish had tied the score at 2-2, Boldy collected a pass from Eriksson Ek behind the goal line and beat Blues goaltender Joel Hofer with a wrist shot from the right circle.

His third goal arrived at 16:47 of the second period, when he fired a one-timer from the left circle off a pass from Kaprizov. The goal was Boldy’s fifth of the season and extended Minnesota’s advantage to 5-2.

Boldy’s hat trick gave the Wild a crucial cushion heading into the final period. Although the Blues threatened a comeback in the closing minutes, his scoring performance proved decisive in Minnesota’s 5-4 win.

Kirill Kaprizov Adds a Goal and Two Assists

Kaprizov was another key contributor for Minnesota, finishing with one goal and two assists. His performance continued an impressive run of form, as he recorded his third goal in two games and extended his point streak to five games.

During that streak, Kaprizov accumulated 11 points, including six goals and five assists. His continued production helped Minnesota maintain its offensive pressure and create separation from the Blues in the second period.

Kaprizov scored Minnesota’s fourth goal at 8:47 of the second period, tipping Hughes’ centering attempt past Hofer to give the Wild a 4-2 lead.

He later assisted on Boldy’s third goal, sending a pass from the corner to the left circle for the one-timer that completed the hat trick.

However, Kaprizov’s night ended with a concern late in the third period. He headed to the dressing room after being pushed into the boards by Hofer. The supplied game report did not provide further details about his condition.

Minnesota Wild Build a Three-Goal Lead

The Wild gradually took control after falling behind early in the first period. Minnesota responded to St. Louis’ opening goal with two goals of its own before the Blues tied the game early in the second.

Danila Yurov put Minnesota ahead 2-1 at 11:17 of the first period. He scored on a one-timer from the edge of the right circle after receiving a centering pass from Maxim Shabanov during a three-on-two rush.

The Wild regained the lead after McTavish tied the game at 2-2 in the second period. Boldy scored his second goal just 27 seconds later, restoring Minnesota’s advantage and giving the home side momentum.

Kaprizov then made it 4-2 at 8:47 before Boldy completed his hat trick at 16:47. The two goals gave Minnesota a three-goal lead and appeared to put the Wild in a strong position to close out the game.

Despite the advantage, the final period became tense as St. Louis continued to push forward. The Blues scored twice late in the third, forcing Minnesota to defend its narrow lead until the final seconds.

Blues Rally Late but Fall Short Against Wild

The St. Louis Blues mounted a late comeback after trailing 5-2, scoring twice in the third period to make the game increasingly competitive.

Robert Thomas brought the Blues within two goals with a short-handed tally at 16:00 of the third period, cutting Minnesota’s lead to 5-3.

Dylan Holloway then scored with just 15 seconds remaining, making it 5-4 and putting the Wild under immediate pressure in the closing moments.

However, Minnesota managed to preserve its one-goal advantage and secure the victory. The late rally demonstrated St. Louis’ persistence, but the team could not complete the comeback after conceding three goals in the second period.

The defeat ended the Blues’ three-game point streak, during which they had posted a 2-0-1 record. Despite their late push, they were unable to overcome Minnesota’s offensive production.

Jonatan Berggren Gives St. Louis an Early Lead

The Blues started strongly, taking a 1-0 lead just 1:45 into the opening period. Jonatan Berggren received a pass below the goal line, skated into the slot and lifted a backhand shot past Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt on the power play.

The early goal gave St. Louis momentum and put Minnesota on the back foot. However, the Wild responded through Boldy’s power-play goal at 7:31, tying the contest at 1-1.

Hughes provided the assist on Boldy’s goal, continuing his impressive run of playmaking. His eight-game assist streak was another notable achievement during Minnesota’s victory.

Yurov then scored at 11:17 to put the Wild ahead 2-1, completing a first-period turnaround after the Blues had opened the scoring.

Mason McTavish Continues Strong Scoring Form

McTavish scored his third goal in two games for St. Louis, providing an important response after Minnesota had taken a 2-1 lead.

At 4:57 of the second period, Pius Suter delivered a lob pass that sent McTavish through on a breakaway. McTavish slid the puck through Wallstedt’s five-hole to tie the score at 2-2.

The goal briefly brought the Blues level and gave them another opportunity to challenge Minnesota. However, their momentum lasted only 27 seconds before Boldy restored the Wild’s lead.

McTavish’s recent scoring form was a positive for St. Louis, but the Blues ultimately could not contain Minnesota’s attack during the middle period.

Quinn Hughes Extends Assist Streak to Eight Games

Quinn Hughes continued to make an impact for Minnesota, recording two assists in the victory and extending his assist streak to eight games.

Hughes set up Boldy’s first goal with a pass to the high slot during a five-on-three power play. He also assisted on Kaprizov’s goal, which extended Minnesota’s lead to 4-2 in the second period.

His ability to create scoring opportunities played an important role in the Wild’s offensive performance. Hughes’ contributions helped Minnesota take advantage of its opportunities and build the lead that ultimately proved sufficient for victory.

Joel Eriksson Ek also finished with two assists, including the setup for Boldy’s second goal. Together, the Wild’s playmakers helped produce the offensive support needed to withstand St. Louis’ late rally.

Goaltending Performance: Wallstedt and Hofer

Jesper Wallstedt made 21 saves for Minnesota as the Wild held on for the 5-4 win. Although St. Louis scored four goals, Wallstedt and the Minnesota defense did enough to preserve the lead during the closing stages.

At the other end, Joel Hofer stopped 33 shots for the Blues. Despite making more than 30 saves, he conceded five goals as Minnesota capitalized on key opportunities, particularly during the second period.

The difference in the game ultimately came down to Minnesota’s ability to turn its offensive chances into goals. Boldy’s hat trick and Kaprizov’s three-point performance helped the Wild build a lead that proved difficult for St. Louis to erase.

Wild vs Blues: Game Highlights and Key Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Minnesota Wild vs St. Louis Blues game?

The Minnesota Wild defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-4 on Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

How many goals did Matt Boldy score against the Blues?

Matt Boldy scored three goals and recorded one assist, completing his fifth career hat trick in the 5-4 victory.

How did Matt Boldy complete his hat trick?

Boldy scored his first goal on a one-timer during a five-on-three power play in the first period. He added a wrist shot early in the second period before completing the hat trick with a one-timer from the left circle at 16:47.

How did Kirill Kaprizov perform against St. Louis?

Kaprizov recorded one goal and two assists. He extended his point streak to five games, accumulating 11 points during that stretch, including six goals and five assists.

Who scored for the St. Louis Blues?

Jonatan Berggren, Mason McTavish, Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway scored for St. Louis. Thomas also recorded an assist.

How many saves did Jesper Wallstedt make?

Wallstedt made 21 saves for Minnesota, helping the Wild hold on for the 5-4 victory.

What happened to Kirill Kaprizov late in the game?

Kaprizov headed to the dressing room late in the third period after being pushed into the boards by Hofer. The supplied report did not provide further details about his condition.

Conclusion

Matt Boldy led the Minnesota Wild to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues with his fifth career hat trick and an assist. Kirill Kaprizov added a goal and two assists, while Danila Yurov contributed a goal as Minnesota won three of its last four games.

The Wild built a 5-2 advantage in the second period before surviving a late Blues comeback. Robert Thomas scored short-handed at 16:00 of the third, and Dylan Holloway found the net with 15 seconds remaining, but St. Louis could not complete the rally.

With Boldy’s scoring performance and contributions from Minnesota’s playmakers, the Wild secured an important win and ended the Blues’ three-game point streak. However, Kaprizov’s late departure to the dressing room will be worth monitoring following his impressive performance.