The Minnesota Wild lost a big-time matchup on Sunday to the Central-leading Colorado Avalanche.
The game that ended 5-1 was one that never really saw the Wild get much going offensively until they were already down 3-0 in the third period. It was an important game in which the Wild could’ve built a little ground on Colorado in the West.
Instead, they got beaten in regulation, only falling further away from the historic pace the Avs have started out on.
John Hynes Talks After Wild Loss
GettyST PAUL, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 21: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates at the bench after scoring a goal in the second period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena on December 21, 2025 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
Christopher Hennessy of ClutchPoints had Wild head coach John Hynes’ words after the beatdown:
“I thought obviously Colorado played really well, but I just thought for us, I thought our compete, and our want wasn’t there.
I just felt we were a step slow and a step off all night, whether it was in the speed in which we played with, our skating, our execution, we were just a little bit of a step behind in those situations.”
The Wild’s only goal came from Ryan Hartman, who has a goal in 3 out of his last 5 games. He has a total of 15 points (9G, 6A) on the year. Jonas Brodin and Kirill Kaprizov both had assists on the goal, and it was Brodin’s first point since he scored a goal against the Edmonton Oilers on December 2nd.
Matt Boldy’s five-game point streak, in which he scored a goal in all each, came to an end. Jesper Wallstedt was not offered much help, as he faced 41 shots. He was able to save 37 of them. Quinn Hughes was held scoreless.
The Wild’s 7-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt. Additionally, their 14-game home point streak also came to an end.
Wild Look to Re-Capture Momentum to Close Out Year
GettyST PAUL, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 21: Jesper Wallstedt #30 of the Minnesota Wild misses the save on a Colorado Avalanche goal in the first period of a game at Grand Casino Arena on December 21, 2025 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
The Wild are off on Monday, but face the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. The Predators currently sit three points out of a wild card spot. They have, however, won 3 out of their last 4 contests.
After Christmas, the Wild will embark on a grueling road trip:
- @Winnipeg (12/27)
- @Vegas (12/29)
- @San Jose (12/31)
- @Anaheim (1/2)
- @Los Angeles (1/3)
- @Los Angeles (1/5)
- @Seattle (1/8)
This means that their game on Tuesday against the Predators will be their last home contest until January 10th. That night, they will host Matthew Schaefer and the New York Islanders.
Instead of what would’ve only been 6 points behind the Avs for first in the Central, the Wild now sit 10 points behind them. Additionally, they are now 6 points behind the Dallas Stars when they could’ve been 4 points behind.
Even though there is a lot of season left, there’s no doubt the loss last night had big ramifications. Instead of the West race tightening up, it actually became a little bit harder to handle for Minnesota.
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