The Minnesota Wild continued their late-season surge with a 5-2 win over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night. The result marked Minnesota’s fourth straight win and completed a season sweep of Seattle, while the Kraken extended their losing streak to six games.
Minnesota used a steady second period to take control and never let Seattle regain momentum. The Wild now sit just two points behind Dallas for second place in the Central Division, setting up a key matchup between the teams later this week. With only a few games left, positioning for home-ice advantage remains unsettled.
Seattle showed early promise but could not sustain its play. Defensive lapses and overturned calls disrupted the Kraken’s rhythm, and Minnesota capitalized on its opportunities at critical moments.
Second Period Shift Turns Game
The turning point came early in the second period. Marcus Foligno scored to tie the game shortly after the intermission, and Minnesota built from there. Vladimir Tarasenko followed with the go-ahead goal, giving the Wild their first lead of the night.
Minnesota controlled the pace after that sequence. The team limited Seattle’s time in the offensive zone and forced turnovers through disciplined positioning. Tarasenko’s goal came from sustained pressure and quick puck movement, which exposed gaps in Seattle’s defensive coverage.
The Wild extended their advantage in the third period. Marcus Johansson scored from close range after receiving a precise pass from Matt Boldy, increasing the lead to 4-2. Joel Eriksson Ek later added an empty-net goal to secure the result.
Minnesota did not rely on a single scoring line. Contributions came from multiple players, reflecting a balanced approach that has defined its recent stretch.
Replay Decisions Favor Minnesota
Two video reviews played a role in shaping the game. Both decisions went in Minnesota’s favor and affected the flow of play.
In the first period, Boldy appeared to tie the game with a goal that was initially disallowed for a high stick. After review, officials overturned the call and credited Boldy with his 42nd goal of the season. That decision helped Minnesota stay level and maintain confidence after an uneven start.
Later, Seattle thought it had equalized in the second period. A shot by Jaden Schwartz found the net, but officials reviewed the play and ruled that goaltender interference had occurred. The decision erased the goal and preserved Minnesota’s lead.
These moments disrupted Seattle’s momentum. The Kraken could not recover from the overturned goal, and Minnesota used the sequence to reinforce control.
Kraken Start Strong but Fade
Seattle opened the scoring with two first-period goals. Brandon Montour and Adam Larsson each found the net, giving the Kraken an early advantage.
The early success reflected an aggressive approach. Seattle pushed the pace, created traffic in front of the net, and forced Minnesota to react. However, that level of pressure did not last.
As the game progressed, Seattle struggled to maintain structure. Defensive breakdowns allowed Minnesota to generate quality chances, and the Kraken could not match the Wild’s consistency in transition.
Goaltender Joey Daccord made 24 saves but faced sustained pressure in the second and third periods. Seattle’s inability to clear the zone and limit rebounds contributed to Minnesota’s scoring opportunities.
The loss continues a difficult stretch for the Kraken. The team has dropped six straight games and remains outside the playoff positions in the Western Conference.
Wild Build Momentum at Key Time
Minnesota’s recent form comes at a critical point in the season. The team has found consistency on both ends of the ice and continues to receive contributions throughout the lineup.
Matt Boldy played a central role in this game. He recorded a goal and an assist and helped drive offensive sequences. Johansson also contributed with a goal and an assist, while Eriksson Ek added two assists in addition to his empty-net goal.
Goaltender Jesper Wallstedt settled in after a slow start. He finished with 25 saves and improved as the game progressed. His ability to stabilize the defense enabled Minnesota to protect its lead.
The Wild have shown improved discipline and structure during their winning streak. They have limited high-danger chances and capitalized on key opportunities.
Playoff Implications Ahead
Minnesota now turns its attention to a matchup with Dallas, which carries significant playoff seeding implications. The teams are separated by just two points, and home-ice advantage in a potential first-round series remains undecided.
Seattle faces a different situation. The Kraken must reverse their current trend quickly to remain in contention for a wild-card spot. With time running out, each loss reduces their margin for recovery.
Looking Ahead
Minnesota will look to extend its winning streak and continue building momentum as the regular season nears its conclusion. The team’s recent performances suggest a group that is finding its identity at the right time.
Seattle returns home searching for answers. The Kraken must address defensive issues and regain consistency if they hope to stay in the playoff race.
The Wild’s controlled performance in this game highlighted their current form. They managed key moments, responded to early pressure, and executed effectively when it mattered most.
