Wild Defeat Blue Jackets In Season Opener

Columbus Blue Jackets center Kent Johnson (91) celebrates toward teammate defenseman Damon Severson, left, after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Thur

The Minnesota Wild kicked off their season with a strong performance, securing a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Xcel Energy Center. Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek led the charge for the Wild, with Mats Zuccarello also contributing a power-play goal.

Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson stood tall with 30 saves, helping his team improve to an impressive 10-1-1 record in season openers on home ice. Despite a late power-play goal by Zach Werenski of the Blue Jackets, the Wild held on for the win.

Notably, this game marked former Wild coach Dean Evason's return to Minnesota as the head coach of the Blue Jackets. Evason, who was let go by the Wild last season, faced his former team for the first time since his departure.

Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek were key players for the Wild.

Minnesota Wild won 3-2 against Columbus Blue Jackets in season opener.

Filip Gustavsson made 30 saves for the Wild.

Former Wild coach Dean Evason returned as Blue Jackets head coach.

Boldy scored a no-look goal, Eriksson Ek netted a one-timer.

Both Boldy and Eriksson Ek made significant contributions to the Wild's victory, with Boldy scoring a no-look goal in the first period and Eriksson Ek netting a crucial one-timer in the second period. The duo, along with Marcus Johansson, formed a potent second line for the Wild.

On the Blue Jackets' side, Kent Johnson had a goal and an assist in a losing effort. The team played with heavy hearts following the tragic passing of former teammate Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed in a biking accident in August.

Gustavsson's strong performance in goal was a key factor in the Wild's win, as he looks to solidify his role in a potential goaltending time share with Marc-Andre Fleury. The Wild successfully challenged a goal by James van Riemsdyk in the second period, overturning it due to goaltender interference.

Looking ahead, the Blue Jackets will face the Colorado Avalanche in their next game, while the Wild will host the Seattle Kraken before embarking on a seven-game road trip.

Despite both teams entering the NHL as expansion franchises in 2000, playoff success has been limited, with the Wild holding the edge in postseason series victories. The Blue Jackets have only won one playoff series in their history, while the Wild have secured four.

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