Wild Get Much-Needed Win To Keep Playoff Hopes Alive; Beat Sharks 3-1

The Minnesota Wild kept its faint playoff hopes alive with a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.

The Wild dominated early, outshooting the Sharks 15-1 in the first period. Kirill Kaprizov had two primary assists. Joel Eriksson Ek, Matt Boldy, and Ryan Hartman scored for the Wild. Filip Gustavsson made 26 saves.

The Sharks picked their game the later it went. Mikael Granlund scored the only goal for the Sharks. Mackenzie Blackwood kept his team in it, making 29 saves.

Justin Bailey moved to the second line, with Alexander Barabanov out with an injury. San Jose is now on a nine-game losing streak.

Mike Hoffman returned after he missed time with a concussion. Kevin Labanc returned to the lineup after being a healthy scratch for the last four games. 

Kirill Kaprizov patiently found Joel Eriksson Ek at the doorstep, giving the Wild the lead. Eriksson Ek scored his 30th goal of the season.

Mikael Granlund tries to pass the puck across, but it's blocked. He reacted by batting the puck into the net for his 11th goal of the season.

18 seconds into the third period, Matt Boldy scores his 25th goal of the season to give the Wild a 2-1 lead.

Ryan Hartman pots the empty net goal.

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