How the Wild's newcomers did in Thursday's opener
January 15, 2021 at 6:13AM
Five players made their Wild debuts on Thursday night:
Kirill Kaprizov: The rookie right winger from Russia came as advertised. Assisted on the team's first two goals of the season and scored the game-winner in overtime on a breakaway. Kaprizov became the 87th player to log his first NHL game with the Wild.
Cam Talbot: The new No 1 goaltender signed as a free agent in the offseason. He became the first goaltender not named Devan Dubnyk to start a Wild opener since 2014. Made 32 saves and kept the Kings scoreless in the third period.
Nick Bonino: The forward was acquired in an offseason trade with Nashville. Had 18:13 of ice time.
Marcus Johansson: The forward was acquired in an offseason trade with Buffalo. Took two penalties. Had 17:29 of ice time.
Nick Bjugstad: The Blaine native and former Gophers center became the 27th Minnesotan to appear in a game with the Wild. Had 13:27 of ice time.
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Minnesota hadn’t even lost two straight until this homestand, when it went 1-4. Next up in a tough stretch is league-leading Winnipeg on Saturday.
