The Minnesota Wild have shown they are not deterred by the odds. In a 6-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, the team managed to end the Leafs’ seven-game winning streak despite being without five of their regular players.

Marcus Foligno scored his first career hat trick, Vladimir Tarasenko added two goals and an assist, and Ryan Hartman also found the back of the net. Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes were key playmakers, each recording two assists. Filip Gustavsson made 27 saves in the win.

This was the same group of players who stepped up in a previous game against the Buffalo Sabres, where they secured a 5-4 overtime win. At that time, the Wild were missing three of their top-five scorers—Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Marcus Johansson—as well as veteran defensemen Jonas Brodin and Zach Bogosian.

Since then, Foligno has scored four goals, and Tarasenko has tallied three. Hartman has contributed two goals and an assist while taking on the role of No. 1 center between Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello. Kaprizov now has five assists in the trip, while Hughes has been involved in three goals and also scored one himself.

Gustavsson, who was starting consecutive games for the first time since December 14-16, earned his 99th career victory in his 200th game.

How it Happened

The Wild started strong, capitalizing on an early power play. Sharp passing from Hughes to Kaprizov to Hartman set up Tarasenko for a wide-open shot just 4 minutes and 45 seconds into the first period.

Later, the Wild took advantage of a turnover by the Leafs, keeping the puck in the offensive zone. Kaprizov one-timed the puck to Zuccarello, who passed it to Hartman for a shot under goalie Joseph Woll’s left pad at 10:29.

A high stick by captain Jared Spurgeon on the Leafs’ John Tavares led to a four-minute power play for Toronto. The Wild looked vulnerable after Tavares scored a one-timer only 18 seconds into the power play.

Turning Point

Unlike the second period against the Sabres when the Wild fell behind 4-3 after blowing a 3-1 lead, they responded with three goals to pull away from the Leafs.

They survived the rest of Toronto’s power play (the penalty kill went 3 for 4) before extending their lead when Foligno deflected a Brock Faber shot at 6:53.

Tarasenko split the Leafs’ defense for a breakaway, assisted by Hughes, at 8:24 for his second goal of the season. Foligno added his second of the night on the power play with 46 seconds left in the second period, another tip of a Faber shot. The Wild’s power play was 2 for 3 in the game.

Woll exited after the second period, finishing with 24 saves. Dennis Hildeby made nine stops in relief.

Toronto managed to score two goals in the third period. The first came when a puck bounced in front of Gustavsson before going in off Nick Robertson at 6:27. With 4:58 remaining, Auston Matthews capitalized on a breakaway for his 11th goal in his past 12 games.

After Tarasenko missed an attempt at the empty net and his own hat trick, he passed to Foligno, who scored his third goal of the game. Of Foligno’s six goals this season, five have come in the past four games.

Key Stat

After 10 Wild players contributed to the offense against the Sabres, nine had at least a point against the Leafs.

What It Means

This game showcases how the Wild can thrive—not just survive—while their key players are recovering. Veterans like Tarasenko, Hartman, and Foligno are playing their best hockey of the season, providing timely contributions.

The leadership of Kaprizov and Hughes is evident, as they create opportunities with their skill and experience. In net, Gustavsson remains steady, setting a competitive tone for the entire team.

While the Wild are at their strongest when healthy, they continue to prove that expectations should not change when they’re shorthanded.

Up Next

The team’s road trip concludes on Tuesday in Montreal against the Canadiens, who defeated Ottawa 6-5 in overtime in their last game.