The Wild secured their most impressive win of the season, boosted by the return of veteran forward Mats Zuccarello, who missed the opening month due to injury. They displayed a familiar style of play and regained their usual rhythm in the 5-2 victory over the Islanders at UBS Arena on Friday night, splitting their road trip.
“It’s always fun to be back,” Zuccarello said in a postgame interview with FanDuel Sports North. “Especially when you win, and the whole team was playing a solid game.”
Zuccarello teamed up with longtime linemate Kirill Kaprizov to revive one of their signature plays—a give-and-go culminating in a goal by Kaprizov in the third period, following a no-look, between-the-legs pass to Zuccarello.
“I knew exactly where it was going,” coach John Hynes said to reporters in Elmont, N.Y.
The Wild never trailed during the game, a recent positive trend, and successfully expanded their leads while avoiding quick goals against, a problem that contributed to their 4-3 loss at Carolina the previous night.
Summary: The Wild’s convincing 5-2 win over the Islanders was sparked by Mats Zuccarello’s return, revitalized team chemistry, and solid individual performances across the lineup.