The Minnesota Wild defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena, snapping their two-game losing streak. Here are three takeaways from the game:

1. Eriksson Ek's Dominance and Third-Period Surge

Joel Eriksson Ek was a standout performer, contributing a goal and two assists to lead the Wild's offensive charge. His strong play was crucial in the Wild's dominant third period, where they scored three unanswered goals to secure the victory. Marcus Johansson, Kirill Kaprizov, and Vladimir Tarasenko also found the net, highlighting a balanced offensive effort from the Wild. The Wild’s ability to capitalize in the third period demonstrated their resilience and determination to end their losing skid.

2. Overcoming Adversity: Injury to Zuccarello and Shorthanded Play

The Wild faced adversity early in the game when Mats Zuccarello left in the first period after a hit from Vince Dunn. The Wild were visibly distressed after the hit. Despite Dunn initially receiving a five-minute major penalty, it was rescinded after review. Playing with only 10 forwards for most of the game, the Wild showcased their depth and adaptability. According to coach John Hynes, he was thankful Zuccarello was doing okay. The team rallied together, with players stepping up to fill the void left by Zuccarello's absence. They had to double shift Kaprizov and Zuccarello with only 11 forwards to begin with. The Wild also briefly went down to nine forwards when Nico Sturm blocked a shot with his ankle. Even later in the game, Jake Middleton left with an injury, leaving the Wild with only six defensemen.

3. Gustavsson's Solid Goaltending and Kraken's Special Teams

Filip Gustavsson delivered a strong performance in goal, stopping 23 shots and providing a crucial foundation for the Wild's win. Gustavsson said he didn’t have his first shot against him until the 12-minute mark. His performance helped the Wild successfully conclude their four-game road trip with a .500 record. For the Kraken, Jordan Eberle scored the team's only goal on the power play. Despite the loss, the Kraken's penalty kill was a bright spot, successfully neutralizing all three of the Wild's power-play opportunities. However, the Kraken’s struggles continue as their losing streak extends to six games. The Kraken remain winless in their alternate jerseys.