3 Takeaways From the Wild’s 4-2 Win Over the Stars in Game 5

The Minnesota Wild went on the road to face the Dallas Stars for Game 5 on Tuesday night, Apr. 28. The series was tied 2-2, and both teams looked to take a commanding 3-2 series lead with a win. The Wild got a huge boost to their lineup as both Mats Zuccarello and Yakov Trenin, who were game-time decisions, were healthy enough to play. However, they did take a hit partway through the game as Jonas Brodin blocked a shot and didn’t return. 

Jesper Wallstedt was once again in the net, and the game started out in the Wild’s favor. The Stars answered back, and the game was tied for a bit before the Wild retook the lead. The Stars tried to climb back into the game, but the Wild held their ground and took the win 4-2 and the series lead 3-2 as they head back home for Game 6. In this article, we’ll look at a few takeaways, starting with the return of their injured. 

Wild’s Zuccarello & Trenin Return

They’ve been a major storyline since they were injured earlier in the series, but now they’re the headline because of their return. Those players were Mats Zuccarello and Yakov Trenin; Zuccarello was injured in Game 1 and Trenin in Game 2. This was their first game back, and it took Zuccarello just under four minutes to make a big impression with the first goal of the game. 

Trenin threw his first hit just under three minutes into the game, and both players were ready to play right away. It didn’t take them any time to adjust from being out, and they were key in the Wild securing the win. Trenin also went on to get the primary assist on Michael McCarron’s goal that gave the Wild a 3-1 lead and their first two-goal lead of the night. 

Zuccarello may have only had one point, but he factored into the game much more than that. He had two shots on goal and helped get their power play back on track. Hopefully, these two can continue to make an impact as the games continue to get harder. 

Wild’s Defense Contributes

Another major storyline of this series on the Wild’s side has been the play of Jesper Wallstedt in goal. He had another big night; he did let out a few more rebounds than he’s become known for, but his defense stepped up and helped him out. While the goaltender is the last line of defense, if they have a few rough plays, it’s the job of the defense to jump in and help them out. 

That’s exactly what the Wild’s defense did throughout the night. If Wallstedt let out a rebound, they were right there to get it out. All of the defensemen were involved at different times, and the Wild had a combined 26 blocked shots to the Stars’ nine, including one that knocked Brodin out of the game. Those blocks made a big difference and were another key in the Wild getting this win. 

They knew the Stars wouldn’t go down easily, and the Wild were prepared. Although two goals made it through, a lot more would’ve had it not been for Wallstedt and his teammates, who stepped in when he needed them the most. 

Wild’s Surprise Hero 

Of course, everyone will notice Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov on the scoresheet, and while their production was critical to the win, Michael McCarron’s goal was credited as the game-winner. Boldy’s goal gave them their second lead of the game while McCarron’s put them up 3-1 at the time. The Stars responded, but McCarron’s goal held strong, and Kaprizov put in the empty-netter at the end of the game to make sure they had a cushion. 

The Wild were able to protect their lead until time ran out, and McCarron’s goal was the winner. He’s made an impact since he joined the team at the deadline, and he’s been one of their most consistent players. Although he doesn’t put up points every night, he’s not expected to. He’s on the fourth line, and he does what needs to be done, but as a bonus, he contributes points as well. 

The Wild need their star players to step up and make a difference, but they’ll find success when they have depth players producing as well. They found a way to get the big win in Dallas and now have the series in their hands as they head home for Game 6, which will be on Thursday evening, Apr. 30. It’ll be interesting to see if the Wild can keep things going and get the series-clinching win on home ice.