CHICAGO – Kirill Kaprizov has no explanation to provide. The Minnesota Wild have had good starts in previous seasons, but nothing like this one.
“It’s a little better this year,” Kaprizov told NHL.com before getting an assist in the Wild’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on Sunday. ” I don’t know. I’m just trying to play hockey. I’m not doing anything extraordinary. I try to enjoy each day, jump on the ice and have fun. »
Kaprizov seems to be having a lot of fun. The 27-year-old forward has 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 15 games, second in the NHL behind Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, who has 29 points in 15 games.
His streak of eight consecutive games with more than one point on opposing ice came to an end in Chicago. This is the longest streak among active players, tied with those established by Roman Josi in 2021-22 and Steven Stamkos in 2017-18. Wayne Gretzky holds the record with 12 straight road games with at least two points (1986-87).
“Yeah, it’s pretty incredible,” admitted Blackhawks center Connor Bedard. I don’t know how many points he has, but he’s been one of the best players in the league for a while. It seems like he reaches another level every year. He is one of the most difficult players to face. »
Kaprizov is the offensive engine for the Wild (10-2-3), who are looking to make a return to the playoffs after failing to qualify last season. It was the first time since his arrival in the NHL that Kaprizov did not participate in the playoffs, and it created a new source of motivation in him.
“When you’re used to being in the playoffs every year and suddenly that’s not the case and you find yourself off for several months, it’s not pleasant,” Kaprizov said. You see the other teams in action while you are already sitting in your living room. It’s not pleasant. You want to play in the playoffs and try to win something. »
Kaprizov has been one of the NHL’s most productive players since making his debut in 2020-21, when he scored 51 points (27 goals, 24 assists) in 55 games and captured the trophy Calder as the MVP. Fifth round pick (135th) of the Wild in 2015, he has 358 points (169 goals, 189 assists) in 293 games.
His start to the season is always excellent. Last year, he had 15 points in his first 15 games. In 2022-23, he had scored 17 points in his first 15 outings. In fact, his lowest haul after 15 games was 11 points in 2021-22.
And he has probably reached another level this season.
“I don’t really know, I think he’s also had streaks like that before,” commented Wild forward Joel Eriksson Ek. Sometimes the puck cooperates, sometimes it doesn’t. But he still works very hard to create games. I’m not really surprised. »
