Full Breakdown
Minnesota Wild Edge Los Angeles Kings in Shootout Thriller
10/15/2025, 3:01:52 PM
Game Overview: Wild vs. Kings
On October 13, 2025, the Minnesota Wild faced the Los Angeles Kings at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, marking the first of three scheduled meetings this season. The Wild entered the game with a record of 2-1-0, while the Kings were at 1-2-1. Both teams were looking to bounce back from recent losses, with the Wild having lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Kings falling to the Winnipeg Jets.
The Wild made strategic lineup changes, including the NHL debut of Danila Yurov, while the Kings started former Wild goaltender Darcy Kuemper. The game began with the Wild taking an early lead, scoring three goals in the first period, including power-play goals from Jared Spurgeon, Kirill Kaprizov, and Matt Boldy.
Third Period Comeback by the Kings
Entering the final period with a 3-0 deficit, the Kings mounted a significant comeback. Kevin Fiala opened the scoring for Los Angeles early in the third period, followed by a power-play goal from Quinton Byfield, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Adrian Kempe then scored during a 6-on-5 situation, completing the Kings' rally and tying the game at 3-3, forcing overtime.
Despite the Kings' resurgence, the game concluded in a shootout, where the Wild emerged victorious with a final score of 4-3. Marco Rossi was the only player to score in the shootout, securing the win for Minnesota.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Kings head coach Jim Hiller expressed mixed feelings about the performance. He acknowledged the team's poor start but praised their effort in the latter half of the game. Hiller noted, “If you take away the start, which you can’t, it’s part of the game... the last 50 minutes, if that’s what you want to call it, you like lots about it.” He emphasized the need for improved discipline, stating, “We’re taking too many penalties and we’re getting scored on.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics pointed to the Kings' early penalties as a critical factor in their loss. The team allowed three goals in a short span during the first period, which many viewed as a result of undisciplined play. Analysts highlighted that had the Kings avoided these penalties, the outcome might have been different.
What's Next
The Wild will quickly shift their focus to a matchup against the Dallas Stars on October 14, while the Kings will have a few days to regroup before facing the Pittsburgh Penguins at home on October 16. Both teams will look to build on their performances as the season progresses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jim Hiller On the Kings' comeback effort last night "If you take away the start, which you can’t, it’s part of the game, I get that, but the last 50 minutes, if that’s what you want to call it, you like lots about it.” — Jim Hiller, Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings
- “Minnesota "We’re taking too many penalties and we’re getting scored on.” — Jim Hiller, Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings
- “I’d have liked to see us score on the 4-on-3, we had some good looks, that would have made it a great night.” — Jim Hiller, Head Coach, Los Angeles Kings
This thrilling encounter showcased the resilience of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
