After opening their three-game road trip with wins over the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets, the Boston Bruins were looking for a sweep with a win over the Minnesota Wild. Going into the game, head coach Marco Sturm gave his team a warning on Saturday, one day after the Wild acquired defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. It would be his first game with his new team, which was going to make for a rowdy night.
The Bruins have not fared well in Minnesota over the years, and the Wild came into the game 9-0-2 in their last 11 home games, including a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday afternoon. Against the Black and Gold, they used special teams to continue their hot streak at home to beat Boston.
Bruins special teams falter in loss to Wild
This season, the Bruins have been good on special teams, but they let them down against Minnesota. Boston was up against it in Minnesota, and they dug themselves into an early hole thanks to their special teams, and they were not able to rebound.
Nikita Zadorov was whistled for an interference penalty in the first period, and the Wild cashed in with Jared Spurgeon ripping a shot by Jeremy Swayman, who was screened on the play for a 1-0 lead. The Black and Gold got the next two power play chances, but were unable to beat Minnesota goalie Filip Gustavsson.
Kirill Kaprizov doubled the Wild's lead in the second period at even strength, before MIkey Eyssimont was called for a slashing penalty. On the ensuing power play, Ryan Hartman scored his sixth goal of the season for a 3-0 lead.
Boston was unable to solve Gustavsson in the game, but their penalty killing didn't do them any favors and was the difference, something that was the case earlier in the season during their losing streak.