Wild dominate Islanders as Zuccarello returns
The Minnesota Wild achieved their most decisive victory of the season with a 5-2 win over the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. The match marked the season debut of veteran forward Mats Zuccarello, who had missed the first month due to injury.
“It’s always fun to be back,” Zuccarello told FanDuel Sports North after the game. “Especially when you win, and the whole team was playing a solid game.”
Zuccarello and Kaprizov rekindle chemistry
Zuccarello’s return rejuvenated his partnership with Kirill Kaprizov. The duo connected in the third period with a classic give-and-go play, ending in a no-look, between-the-legs pass from Zuccarello that Kaprizov converted into a goal.
“I knew exactly where it was going,” coach John Hynes told reporters in Elmont, New York.
Teamwide contributions lead to success
- Danila Yurov scored in his return to the lineup.
- Marcus Johansson extended his career-long points streak.
- Marcus Foligno recorded his first point of the season with an assist on Yurov’s goal.
- Backup goalie Jesper Wallstedt made 25 saves, improving his record to 2-0-2.
The Wild never fell behind, a marked improvement from earlier games, and maintained their lead without surrendering quick goals after scoring—something that had troubled them the night before in Carolina.
Author’s summary
The Wild looked revitalized with Zuccarello’s return, dominating both ends of the ice to secure a confident 5-2 victory over the Islanders and end their trip on a high note.