Minnesota’s Russian forward Kirill Kaprizov decided the outcome of the match with Calgary, pulling the team to a provisional second place in the division: this fact could be decisive for the Wild in the playoffs.

“I just love Kaprizov” – these and other declarations of love to a Russian hockey player from Minnesota fans in social networks have long become the norm.

The Russian striker, who arrived overseas a year ago, transformed the game of the entire team, rewrote several club records and provided the “savages” with a 20,000-strong arena packed to capacity at every home meeting. It is Minnesota’s large army of fans that is its secret weapon that can really help the Wild get past the first round for the first time in 7 years. Having a home stadium advantage early on in the Stanley Cup would have been a great asset to Minnesota in this regard.

The probability of getting it was born the day before the end of the regular season, thanks to the efforts of the chief wizard of the Wild, Kaprizov. It was his now-famous overtime overtime knee-high that allowed the team to win their sixth win in their last seven games and finally overtake St. Louis for second place in the Central Division.

Moreover, nothing foreshadowed the victory: in the first period, Minnesota transferred guests from Canada, but failed to realize their chances. But in the second and third twenty-minute periods, the “savages” lost twice in this indicator – 13 against 27. Despite the lack of attacking power, the Kaprizov team still managed to reach overtime, and there the main star of Minnesota no longer began to postpone the matter in a long box, having realized the majority in the first minute.

It is now that Kaprizov, who has broken all club records, decides the fate of his team in the playoffs. But just six months ago, at the start of the season, he was described as “overrated” because of his nine million contract. That’s what defender Drew Doughty of Los Angeles said about him, who, by the way, earns two million dollars a year more. What he thinks of Kaprizov now is unknown, but every Minnesota fan is sure that the Russian forward is worth every cent paid for him.

Drew Doughty / Photo: © Ola Westerberg / ZUMA Press / Global Look Press

If the alignment of the teams by the end of the last day of the regular season remains the same, then with one accurate throw, the Whims knocked out home ice advantage for his team in the first round of the playoffs against St. Louis.

Playing at your own stadium is a real bonus for Minnesota, because only two league leaders, Florida and Colorado, have lost less than it this season at home. At the same time, the Savages haven’t won since the 2018/19 season away from St. Louis! Starting the difficult journey to the Stanley Cup in such a place is not the best option.

Kirill Kaprizov / Photo: © REUTERS / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

But in order for this scenario to come true, one of two things must coincide: in the last match against the leaders of the West, Minnesota must take at least one point, or the Blues must concede to the Golden Knights.

NHL. Regular season

Minnesota Wild (St. Paul) – Calgary Flames (Calgary) – 3:2 OT (0:0, 1:1, 1:1, 1:0)

Goals: Brodin, 26:02 (bol.). Gaudreau, 51:59. Kaprizov, 60:44 (bol.). — Gaudreau, 22:59. Lindholm, 57:04.