In a recent shift, Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes revitalized the team’s power play by deploying five forwards against the Washington Capitals, culminating in a 4-2 victory. This strategic adaptation was highlighted by Matt Boldy’s transition to the blue line, where he scored a crucial game-tying goal after a shot redirected by Freddy Gaudreau. Boldy expressed his willingness to adapt to the change, illustrating the flexibility within the team.

Despite the success of the adjusted unit, Hynes acknowledged the need for improvement, considering the prior struggles of the power play. He emphasized Boldy’s strong shooting ability and comfort in the new position. Meanwhile, the Wild also faced unfortunate news as top prospect David Jiricek’s season concluded prematurely due to a serious injury, following his trade from Columbus. In a more emotional moment, the Wild’s Marc-Andre Fleury received a heartfelt farewell from longtime rival Alex Ovechkin, marking the end of an era for both players.