In a decisive matchup, the Ottawa Senators triumphed over the Minnesota Wild with a score of 3-1, marking a significant achievement as it was their first win in Minnesota since 2016. The game saw Josh Norris score the game-winning goal on a power play, which came with just over seven minutes left in the third period. Leevi Merilainen, in his fifth NHL appearance, showcased his skills by making 30 saves, helping the Senators secure their seventh victory in the last nine games.
The game started with Frederick Gaudreau scoring for the Wild late in the first period. However, the Senators quickly responded with Ridly Greig tying the game early in the second. Claude Giroux sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, further solidifying the Senators' surprising position in the playoff race after missing the postseason for the last six years.
Despite the loss, the Wild welcomed back Joel Eriksson Ek from injury, though they continued to miss star player Kirill Kaprizov, who was sidelined for a second straight game. The statistics reveal that the Wild perform significantly better with Eriksson Ek in the lineup, holding a record of 17-5-4 compared to 5-6-0 without him. The Senators are set to continue their road trip against the Dallas Stars, while the Wild will host the Nashville Predators next.
