Wild vs.Blue Jackets

Game Summary

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on October 18, 2026, led by Kirill Kaprizov’s winning goal. Kaprizov broke a 1-1 tie on the power play at 3:06 of the second period. His shot from the bottom of the left faceoff circle beat Cam Talbot over the shoulder. The goal was Kaprizov’s NHL-leading 10th of the season.

Jesper Wallstedt made 13 saves for Minnesota, which improved to 6-2-1 and led the Central Division. Danila Yurov scored the Wild’s other goal late in the first period. Yakov Trenin created the chance by collecting a turnover at the Columbus blue line. He beat a defender before passing across the slot for Yurov’s finish.

Adam Fantilli scored for Columbus, and Talbot finished with 32 saves. The Blue Jackets kept Minnesota off the scoreboard during an early 5-on-3 power play that lasted 1:52. Wallstedt also denied Connor Garland on an early breakaway. Kaprizov supplied the only goal of the final 2 periods, giving Minnesota the narrow home victory.