Minnesota wild Fall short in Thrilling 5-3 Loss to Edmonton Oilers
ST. PAUL,Minn. — The Minnesota Wild faced another tough challenge Wednesday night,this time against the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers. Despite a valiant effort, the Wild fell 5-3 at the Xcel energy center, marking their second consecutive loss after entering the third period tied.
The Wild, who are now 11-10-1 at home, held leads of 2-0 and 3-2 but couldn’t seal the deal. The turning point came early in the third period when Vasily Podkolzin’s centering pass deflected off Wild defenseman Declan Chisholm’s skate for the game-winning goal. McDavid, the Oilers’ superstar, added two goals and an assist, including an empty-netter to ice the game.
“I feel disappointed for our team tonight because I thought that we had a real strong effort,” said Wild coach John Hynes. “I thought we played well enough to win the game.I think we had some real good chances. I really liked the way we played in the third period coming into a tie game,you know,different then the Vegas (Golden Knights) game. But sadly, we didn’t find a way to win it.”
the Wild’s struggles in the third period have become a recurring theme.Just days earlier,they faltered in the final frame against the Vegas Golden Knights. This time,however,hynes believed his team deserved a better outcome.
McDavid’s performance was a reminder of his elite status in the NHL. His two goals and assist were pivotal in securing the Oilers’ seventh win in their last eight games. Simultaneously occurring, the Wild’s inability to capitalize on their chances left fans and players alike frustrated.
Key Moments of the Game
Table of Contents
- Mistakes Cost Wild a Strong Start Against Oilers
- Connor McDavid’s Controversial Play Sparks Debate in Oilers-Wild Clash
- Wild’s Injury Woes Continue,but Kaprizov and Faber Inch Closer to return
| Period | Key Event |
|————|——————————————————————————-|
| First | Wild take an early 2-0 lead |
| Second | Oilers tie the game, but Wild regain a 3-2 advantage |
| Third | Podkolzin’s deflected goal gives Oilers the lead; McDavid seals the win |
The Wild’s resilience was evident, but their inability to close out games continues to haunt them. As they look ahead, the team will need to address their third-period woes to turn close contests into victories.
For now, the Wild must regroup and prepare for their next challenge, knowing that even strong performances don’t always translate to wins in the highly competitive NHL.Connor McDavid’s Heroics Seal Victory as Wild Fall Short in Thrilling NHL Clash
In a game that showcased the brilliance of Connor McDavid and the resilience of the Minnesota Wild, the Edmonton Oilers emerged victorious in a nail-biting contest. McDavid’s game-winning goal from a seemingly unfeasible angle proved decisive, leaving the Wild to rue missed opportunities despite a valiant effort.
The Wild’s Jake Middleton did everything in his power to contain McDavid,but the Oilers’ captain found a way to shine when it mattered most. “It was a bad bounce (in the offensive zone), and it was a bad bounce to the right player,” said Wild coach John Hynes. “And (McDavid) made a great play. We go two-on-one,long body,like you can’t play it any better. That’s why he’s an elite player, and he made a key play at a key time. So unfortunately for us, that’s how the game went.But I really like the mindset, the style of game, and we just didn’t find a way to get it done.”
McDavid’s goal, which came from a jaw-dropping angle, was a testament to his unparalleled skill. The play was captured in a viral tweet by Gino hard, showcasing the moment that left fans and analysts in awe.
The Wild had their moments, with goals from Matt Boldy, Marco Rossi, and Ryan Hartman. Rossi’s contribution was notably noteworthy, as he became the fourth Austrian-born NHL player in history to reach 80 career points, joining the likes of Thomas Vanek, Michael Grabner, and Michael Raffl.
Hartman broke a 2-2 tie in the second period with his second goal in two games, but the Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins responded by redirecting a shot past Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson, sending the game into the third period tied.
Gustavsson, who stopped 31 of 36 shots, has struggled recently, allowing 19 goals in his past four starts. On the other side, Oilers’ netminder Calvin Pickard overcame a shaky start to make 32 saves, including several highlight-reel stops on rossi and Joel eriksson Ek.
Despite the loss, Middleton praised his team’s effort.“I thought that the whole game was basically an A-plus effort,” he said. “When you’re looking at our last two games where we gave up leads in the third period, it’s tough, but we’re learning and growing.”
Key Moments and Stats
| Player | Contribution |
|————————|———————————————————————————-|
| Connor McDavid | Game-winning goal from a sharp angle |
| Marco Rossi | scored, becoming the fourth Austrian-born NHLer to reach 80 points |
| Ryan Hartman | Broke a 2-2 tie with his second goal in two games |
| Filip Gustavsson | Stopped 31 of 36 shots but has allowed 19 goals in his last four starts |
| Calvin Pickard | Made 32 saves, including key stops on Rossi and Eriksson Ek |
The Wild will look to bounce back in their next outing, while the Oilers continue to ride the momentum of McDavid’s brilliance. For now, this game serves as a reminder of why McDavid is considered one of the greatest players in the world—and why the Wild remain a team to watch as they continue to grow and evolve.
Stay tuned for more NHL action and analysis as the season unfolds.
Mistakes Cost Wild a Strong Start Against Oilers
The Minnesota Wild’s first period against the Edmonton Oilers on January 16, 2025, was a tale of two halves. Despite a dominant start, costly errors allowed the Oilers to claw their way back into the game, showcasing the lethal combination of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
A Promising Start
The Wild came out strong, capitalizing on their first three power plays. Matt Boldy was the standout performer, scoring the opening goal with a powerful shot from the bottom of the right circle that beat Oilers’ goaltender Cal Pickard. Boldy wasn’t done yet—he later left Darnell Nurse in his dust to set up Marco Rossi for a 2-0 lead.
“Matt Boldy is feelin it tonight. What a play to find Marco Rossi for the 2-0 lead,” tweeted Spoked Z, capturing the moment.
momentum Shifts in Seconds
However,the Wild’s momentum was short-lived. Just 21 seconds after Rossi’s goal, Zach Hyman outmuscled Freddy Gaudreau at the blue line and skated in alone to finish a pass from Draisaitl, cutting the lead to 2-1.
The Oilers’ fast-strike ability was on full display, and the Wild’s early dominance quickly evaporated.
Key Performances and Takeaways
Despite the loss, the Wild showed resilience. Ryan Hartman restored their lead later in the game, pouncing on a loose puck off the draw. “Ryan Hartman pounces on the loose puck off the draw to restore the @mnwild’s lead,” tweeted Sportsnet.Goaltender Cal Pickard also made a remarkable save, keeping the Oilers in the game. “WHAT A SAVE, CAL PICKARD 😱,” tweeted B/R Open Ice.
Wild’s Road Ahead
The Wild, now 6-4 without star forward Kirill Kaprizov, have struggled recently, losing three of their last four games after a four-game winning streak. Their next challenge is a road trip to Nashville and Colorado, starting Saturday night.
| Key takeaways |
|——————–|
| Matt Boldy shined with a goal and an assist.|
| Zach Hyman’s quick response shifted momentum. |
| Wild’s record without Kaprizov: 6-4. |
| Next games: Nashville and Colorado. |
The Wild will need to address their defensive lapses and capitalize on their opportunities if they hope to bounce back on the road.
For more updates on the Minnesota Wild, follow their official Twitter account @mnwild.
Connor McDavid’s Controversial Play Sparks Debate in Oilers-Wild Clash
Connor McDavid, often hailed as the best player in the NHL and second only to Wayne Gretzky on the Edmonton Oilers’ all-time scoring list (1,044 points vs.Gretzky’s 1,669),found himself at the center of controversy during a heated game against the Minnesota Wild. While McDavid’s skill is undeniable, a late-second-period incident left fans and players questioning whether the superstar received preferential treatment from the officials.
The Incident: A Subtle but Costly Elbow
The controversy unfolded when Marcus Johansson of the Wild attempted to maneuver around McDavid in the Oilers’ defensive zone. As johansson tried to reach the puck, McDavid’s right elbow appeared to jut out slightly, catching Johansson in the process. Replays confirmed the subtle move,but neither referee raised their arm to call a penalty.
In a tightly contested 3-3 game, the play could have warranted at least a two-minute minor penalty. Given Johansson’s apparent injury, some argued it could have even been a major penalty. The lack of a call left the wild bench fuming.
Reactions from the Wild Bench
Wild coach John Hynes was visibly animated, demonstrating to referee Chris Lee that McDavid had extended his elbow. When asked what lee told him, Hynes replied, “you know what? I don’t even want to go down that road as it would probably infuriate you more than it infuriates me right now, so I’m just going to bypass that.”
Wild forward Joel Eriksson Ek revealed that he asked the officials for an explanation and was told Johansson had hit himself with his own stick—a response that only added to the frustration.
Middleton, another Wild player, didn’t mince words: “It’s horses—. If Marcus Foligno or Hartman did that, what do you think happens? I understand the refs have a hard job, but that was chickens—. I don’t care that he’s the best player in the world.”
McDavid’s Impact on the Game
despite the controversy, McDavid continued to shine on the ice. earlier in the game, he capitalized on a power play opportunity, one-timing a pass from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to tie the game 2-2. The goal also marked a historic moment, as McDavid tied Jari Kurri for the second-most points in Oilers history with 1,043.
The Wild had initially taken a 2-0 lead, but the Oilers erased it in just 2:17, thanks to goals from Zach Hyman and McDavid.Hyman’s goal was his 12th since December 4, showcasing his consistent offensive contributions.
Key Moments and Takeaways
| Key Moment | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| McDavid’s Elbow Incident | Subtle elbow on Johansson; no penalty called. |
| McDavid’s Historic Goal | Tied Jari Kurri for second-most points in Oilers history (1,043). |
| Wild’s Frustration | Bench criticized officials for perceived bias toward McDavid. |
| Oilers’ Comeback | Erased 2-0 deficit in 2:17 with goals from Hyman and McDavid. |
The Bigger Picture
The incident raises questions about how star players are officiated in the NHL. While McDavid’s talent is unparalleled, the lack of a call in this instance has reignited debates about consistency in penalty enforcement.
As the Oilers continue their push for playoff contention,McDavid’s ability to dominate games remains a key factor. Though, moments like these remind us that even the best players are not immune to scrutiny.
For more on McDavid’s historic achievements and the Oilers’ season, check out the latest updates on NHL.com.
What are your thoughts on the incident? Should McDavid have been penalized? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Wild’s Injury Woes Continue,but Kaprizov and Faber Inch Closer to return
The Minnesota Wild’s season has been marred by injuries,but there’s a glimmer of hope as key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Brock Faber took important steps toward their return during Tuesday’s morning skate.
Kaprizov,sidelined since the Christmas break with a lower-body injury,and Faber,recovering from an upper-body issue sustained on January 7 against the St. Louis Blues, participated in their first team skate since their respective injuries. While neither played in Wednesday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers, their presence on the ice signals progress.
“Usually you come back from the rehab skates and then into practice,” coach John Hynes said. “So that was a good first step for those guys.”
The Wild remain cautious with kaprizov, but Faber’s return appears imminent. Meanwhile,Jakub Lauko,still on long-term injured reserve,also joined the skate,though he worked on the side with Kaprizov and Faber. with Marcus Johansson sidelined due to an upper-body injury sustained after a hit from Keegan Kolesar, lauko’s return could provide much-needed depth.
Captain Jared Spurgeon, who skated with the injured group before Tuesday’s practice, has “progressed significantly,” according to Hynes, and could rejoin group practices soon. However,Jonas Brodin,who suffered a lower-body injury in the same game as Faber,has yet to skate with the team.
The Wild’s struggles against Western conference playoff teams (3-10-1) have been compounded by injuries to key players. As they navigate this challenging stretch, the return of Kaprizov, Faber, and others could be a turning point.
Key Injury Updates
| Player | injury | Status |
|——————–|—————–|———————————|
| Kirill Kaprizov | lower body | Participated in team skate |
| Brock Faber | Upper body | Close to returning |
| Jakub Lauko | Long-term IR | Skated on the side |
| Jared Spurgeon | undisclosed | Progressing, nearing practice |
| Jonas Brodin | Lower body | Not yet skating with team |
The Wild’s resilience will be tested as they aim to climb the standings. With key players nearing their return, the team hopes to turn the tide in the second half of the season.
For more updates on the Wild’s injury situation, follow our coverage here.middleton Optimistic Despite Missing Key Players in Lineup
In a recent statement,Middleton expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete with the league’s top contenders,despite being short-handed. “Well, there’s just about five players missing to get on the other side of those things,” Middleton said. “And that’s not a knock on anyone in here as we’re still competing against these top teams and we are missing some weapons in our lineup. So I do, I think we are right there. We haven’t pulled away as of late,but we are right there.”
The team has faced challenges due to the absence of key players,but Middleton’s optimism highlights their resilience. The squad continues to hold their own against formidable opponents, showcasing their depth and determination.
The recent matchup featured standout performances from players like Filip Gustavsson and Connor McDavid, whose on-ice chemistry has been a focal point for fans and analysts alike. The game’s intensity was captured in a striking photo by Nick wosika, which has since gone viral on social media platforms.
Key Takeaways from Middleton’s Statement
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Missing Players | Approximately five key players are absent from the lineup. |
| Team Performance | The team remains competitive against top-tier opponents. |
| Middleton’s Outlook | Optimistic, believing the team is “right there” despite recent challenges.|
Middleton’s remarks underscore the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. While the team hasn’t yet “pulled away” in recent games, their ability to stay competitive is a testament to their grit and potential.
For more insights into effective storytelling in sports journalism,explore these resources on news writing rules and journalistic techniques.As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Middleton’s squad adapts and whether they can capitalize on their current momentum. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on this developing story.
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McDavid Controversy: Did the NHL’s Superstar Get Preferential Treatment?
While Connor McDavid’s skill is undeniable, a late-second-period incident in the Minnesota Wild vs. Edmonton Oilers game left fans and players questioning whether the superstar received preferential treatment from the officials.
The Incident: A Subtle but Costly Elbow
The controversy began when Marcus Johansson of the Wild attempted to maneuver around McDavid in the Oilers’ defensive zone. As Johansson reached for the puck, McDavid’s right elbow appeared to jut out slightly, catching Johansson. Replays confirmed the subtle move,but no penalty was called.
In a tightly contested 3-3 game, the play could have warranted at least a two-minute minor penalty—or even a major, given Johansson’s apparent injury. The lack of a call left the Wild bench fuming.
Reactions from the Wild Bench
Wild coach John Hynes was visibly frustrated, demonstrating to referee Chris Lee that McDavid had extended his elbow. When asked what Lee told him, Hynes replied, “You know what? I don’t even want to go down that road, as it would probably infuriate you more than it infuriates me right now, so I’m just going to bypass that.”
Wild forward Joel Eriksson Ek revealed that he asked the officials for an description and was told Johansson had hit himself with his own stick—a response that only added to the frustration.
Defenseman Jake Middleton didn’t mince words: “It’s horses—. If Marcus Foligno or Ryan Hartman did that, what do you think happens? I understand the refs have a hard job, but that was chickens—. I don’t care that he’s the best player in the world.”
McDavid’s Impact on the Game
Despite the controversy, McDavid continued to shine. Earlier in the game, he scored on a power play, one-timing a pass from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to tie the game 2-2. The goal also marked a historic moment, as McDavid tied Jari Kurri for the second-most points in Oilers history with 1,043.
The Wild had initially taken a 2-0 lead, but the Oilers erased it in just 2:17, thanks to goals from Zach Hyman and McDavid. Hyman’s goal was his 12th as December 4, showcasing his consistent offensive contributions.
Key Moments and Takeaways
| Key Moment | Details |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————|
| McDavid’s Elbow Incident | Subtle elbow on Johansson; no penalty called. |
| mcdavid’s historic Goal | Tied Jari Kurri for second-most points in Oilers history (1,043). |
| Wild’s Frustration | Bench criticized officials for perceived bias toward McDavid. |
| Oilers’ Comeback | Erased 2-0 deficit in 2:17 with goals from Hyman and McDavid. |
The Bigger Picture
The incident raises questions about how star players are officiated in the NHL. While McDavid’s talent is unparalleled, the lack of a call in this instance has reignited debates about consistency in penalty enforcement.
as the Oilers continue their push for playoff contention, McDavid’s ability to dominate games remains a key factor. However, moments like these remind us that even the best players are not immune to scrutiny.
What are your thoughts on the incident? Should McDavid have been penalized? Share your opinions below!
Wild’s Injury Woes Continue, but Kaprizov and Faber Inch Closer to Return
The Minnesota Wild’s season has been marred by injuries, but ther’s a glimmer of hope as key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Brock Faber took vital steps toward their return during Tuesday’s morning skate.
Kaprizov, sidelined since the Christmas break with a lower-body injury, and Faber, recovering from an upper-body issue sustained on January 7, participated in their first team skate since their respective injuries. While neither played in Wednesday’s game against the Oilers,their presence on the ice signals progress.
“Usually you come back from the rehab skates and then into practice,” coach John Hynes said. “So that was a good first step for those guys.”
The Wild remain cautious with Kaprizov, but Faber’s return appears imminent. Simultaneously occurring, Jakub Lauko, still on long-term injured reserve, also joined the skate, though he worked on the side with Kaprizov and Faber. With Marcus Johansson sidelined due to an upper-body injury sustained after a hit from Keegan Kolesar, Lauko’s return could provide much-needed depth.
Captain jared Spurgeon, who skated with the injured group before Tuesday’s practice, has “progressed substantially,” according to Hynes, and could rejoin group practices soon.However, Jonas Brodin, who suffered a lower-body injury in the same game as Faber, has yet to skate with the team.
The Wild’s struggles against Western conference playoff teams (3-10-1) have been compounded by injuries to key players. As they navigate this challenging stretch, the return of Kaprizov, Faber, and others could be a turning point.
Key Injury Updates
| player | Injury | Status |
|——————–|—————–|———————————-|
| Kirill kaprizov | Lower body | Participated in team skate |
| Brock faber | Upper body | Close to returning |
| Jared Spurgeon | Lower body | Progressing, could rejoin soon |
| Jonas Brodin | Lower body | Yet to skate with team |
| Jakub Lauko | Undisclosed | Worked on the side during skate |
for more updates on McDavid’s historic achievements and the Oilers’ season, check out the latest on NHL.com.
