Minnesota Wild Defeat Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3

On January 19, 2026, the Minnesota Wild secured a decisive 6-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. This game marked a significant achievement for Marcus Foligno, who recorded his first NHL hat trick, contributing to the Wild's second consecutive win on their three-game road trip. Vladimir Tarasenko also played a pivotal role, scoring two goals and assisting on another.

ESPNThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Prime Monday Night Hockey: Minnesota Wild vs Toronto Maple LeafsWild at Maple Leafs Morning Skate Wrap UpNew York TimesThe Maple Leafs finally made the change they neededThe Leafs are waiting on one decision before puck drop, and it could tilt the outcomeGame Preview: Wild at Maple LeafsFoligno scores 1st hat trick, Wild hold off Maple Leafs

Foligno's scoring came at crucial moments, including a power-play goal late in the second period that extended Minnesota's lead to 5-1. Ryan Hartman added a goal and an assist, while Kirill Kaprizov, Quinn Hughes, and Brock Faber each contributed two assists. Filip Gustavsson, the Wild's goaltender, made 27 saves, showcasing a strong performance despite facing 30 shots.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

For the Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews scored his 25th goal of the season and added an assist, while John Tavares and Nicholas Robertson also found the net. However, goaltender Joseph Woll struggled, allowing five goals on 29 shots before being replaced by Dennis Hildeby in the third period.

ESPN

The Wild took an early lead with goals from Tarasenko and Hartman, establishing a 2-0 advantage by the end of the first period. Tavares responded for Toronto with a power-play goal, cutting the deficit to 2-1. However, Foligno's subsequent goals, including a tip-in and a power-play conversion, allowed Minnesota to pull away. The Maple Leafs attempted a comeback in the third period, scoring twice, but Foligno sealed the game with an empty-net goal.

ESPN

Toronto's head coach Craig Berube acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating, “We didn’t play well enough... We made too many mistakes.” He emphasized the need for improvement in execution and defensive play. In contrast, Wild head coach John Hynes praised Foligno's performance, highlighting his impact on the game.

Foligno scores 1st hat trick, Wild hold off Maple Leafs

Despite the victory, the Maple Leafs faced criticism for their defensive lapses and inability to capitalize on power-play opportunities. The absence of key players, including William Nylander and Matthew Knies, was noted as a significant factor affecting Toronto's performance.

The Leafs are waiting on one decision before puck drop, and it could tilt the outcome

Following this matchup, the Minnesota Wild will face the Montreal Canadiens on January 20, while the Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Detroit Red Wings on January 21. Both teams are looking to build momentum as they approach the Olympic break, with the Wild aiming to maintain their winning streak and the Maple Leafs seeking to rebound from this defeat.

Prime Monday Night Hockey: Minnesota Wild vs Toronto Maple Leafs

• “We didn’t play well enough,” — Craig Berube, Head Coach, Toronto Maple Leafs

Foligno scores 1st hat trick, Wild hold off Maple Leafs

• “That first tip was unbelievable, that’s a big-league tip,” — Brock Faber, Minnesota Wild Defenseman

Foligno scores 1st hat trick, Wild hold off Maple Leafs

• “That’s impossible to save. He played an awesome game. If he would have had zero goals, he would have played an awesome game too. He brings so much to the table every night, just the wear and tear he puts on other teams, it’s obviously a great guy to have on your side.” — Brock Faber on Marcus Foligno

Foligno scores 1st hat trick, Wild hold off Maple Leafs

This game exemplified the competitive nature of the NHL, with both teams striving for playoff positioning as the season progresses.

Prime Monday Night Hockey: Minnesota Wild vs Toronto Maple Leafs