The Minnesota Wild overcame a late rally by the Detroit Red Wings to secure a 5-4 victory on April 5 in Detroit. Kirill Kaprizov recorded a hat trick, including the game-winning power-play goal in the final minute and a half of the third period. The win capped a successful road back-to-back for the Wild, who also defeated the Ottawa Senators the previous day.
The Red Wings struck first less than two minutes into the opening period, putting the visiting Wild on the back foot early. However, Minnesota responded swiftly, tying the game just 18 seconds into the second period with a goal from Matt Boldy on his birthday. Boldy and Kaprizov then fueled a surge, building a 4-1 lead midway through the game, with Vladimir Tarasenko also contributing a goal to extend the advantage to 3-1 at one point. Filip Gustavsson started in net for the Wild, replacing Jesper Wallstedt, while Jeff Petry filled in for the injured Zach Bogosian on defense. Zach Bogosian was sidelined by injury, prompting Jeff Petry to step into the lineup. The third period brought drama as the Red Wings scored three unanswered goals to erase the Wild's lead and tie the score. Minnesota's defense struggled, leaving shooters unmarked for several tallies while Gustavsson made sprawling efforts. Undeterred, Kaprizov sealed his sixth regular-season hat trick—and the victory—on a power play with under 90 seconds remaining. The Wild outblocked Detroit 25-8, showcasing their commitment, even as Boldy limped after a late block. This result gives Minnesota four points from games against Eastern Conference wild-card rivals. The team returns home to face the Seattle Kraken on April 7 before a final road trip against the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues, ending the regular season at home versus the Anaheim Ducks.
