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Minnesota Wild Defeats Ottawa Senators
In a crucial match for the Minnesota Wild, Vinni Lettieri scored the winning goal with just under seven minutes left in the game, securing a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night. This victory kept the Wild’s faint playoff hopes alive as they continue to chase the second Western Conference wild-card spot, currently held by the Los Angeles Kings who are eight points ahead with eight games remaining.
Key Players Shine
Mason Shaw scored for the first time in over a year, while Matt Boldy also found the back of the net for the Wild. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury stood tall, making 30 saves to help secure the win. On the Senators’ side, Drake Batherson and Jakob Chychrun each contributed a goal and an assist, and Joonas Korpisalo made 17 saves in a losing effort.
A pivotal moment came in the game when Lettieri capitalized on a loose puck in front of the Ottawa net, scoring his first goal since December 18 with a quick backhand swat past Korpisalo.
Power Play Success
Ottawa showed efficiency on the power play, going 2 for 3 with Batherson setting up Chychrun early in the third period to tie the game at 2-2. Tim Stützle’s contribution with the second assist marked an impressive milestone, being the first player in Senators history with multiple 70-point seasons at the age of 22 or younger, as per NHL Stats.
Shaw opened the scoring for Minnesota midway through the first period, while Boldy extended the lead early in the middle frame. Batherson’s power-play goal brought the Senators within striking distance, but they couldn’t complete the comeback.
Injury Concerns and Suspensions
Ottawa faced adversity as left wing Angus Crookshank sustained a lower-body injury, forcing the team to play short-handed for the final two periods. On the other hand, Wild forward Ryan Hartman served the first game of his three-game suspension for an incident involving officials in their previous game against Vegas.
Upcoming Matches
- Senators: Host Florida on Thursday night.
- Wild: Host Colorado on Thursday night.
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