Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
The Minnesota Wild hung on for a 5-4 win over the St. Louis Blues at home Thursday night, and Kirill Kaprizov was a big reason why. The 29-year-old superstar finished with a goal and two assists on five shots in 22:52 of ice time, helping his team bounce back after Minnesota’s 5-2 loss in Winnipeg on Tuesday.
Kirill Kaprizov injury: Wild star wiped out by Blues goalie Joel Hofer
But as has been the case all season, the victory didn’t come without sacrifice. With 4:31 left in the third period, Kaprizov skated past the Blues net, as he tried to corral a puck coming around the boards, when he was unexpectedly dumped by St. Louis Blues goalie Joel Hofer, who was called for interference on the play.
Joel Hofer interference penalty on Kaprizov pic.twitter.com/NIhfj6YSkm
— SpokedZ (@SpokedZ) October 16, 2026
Kaprizov down the tunnel pic.twitter.com/ucBkH1FWJq
— SpokedZ (@SpokedZ) October 16, 2026
Related: MN Wild Reveal More Bad News on Injury Front but Some Good News on Brock Faber
At the time of Kaprizov’s injury, the Wild were up 5-2. St. Louis scored a shorthanded goal 31 seconds later, then another with 15 seconds left in the third period, to make the finish way closer than it needed to be.
With the Minnesota Wild already missing a pile of bodies due to injury, the last thing they needed was No. 97 walking down the tunnel with another apparent injury. After tonight’s performance, Kirill has racked up 9 goals and 5 assists (+7) through the MN Wild’s first 8 games.
Now we’ll all wait nervously for Sunday, when we’ll find out if Kaprizov is active for the Wild’s next game against Columbus. Fortunately, the latest updates Thursday night were positive, especially given early concerns of a head injury.
MN Wild head coach, teammates say Kaprizov is okay…
According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, Kaprizov was in the medical room when players and reporters entered the locker room at Grand Casino Arena.
However, Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy were able to speak with their Russian teammate and both told reporters that he seemed OK. Shortly after, head coach John Hynes said the same thing.
Hynes confirmed https://t.co/OndQ5o1S9i
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) October 16, 2026
Related: Another Key MN Wild Player Falls to Injury
Hopefully, that means we can exhale, right? Given how this season has gone so far, when it comes to injuries, nothing is guaranteed until Kaprizov steps on the ice this weekend.
Meanwhile, we’ll likely get more updates on Jared Spurgeon, Olli Maatta, Nico Sturm, Brock Faber and both Folignos at some point before then too.
The Wild are back at home Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 5 p.m. CT.
Mentioned in this article:Injury Updates Kirill Kaprizov St. Louis Blues
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