The Minnesota Wild opened their 2024 season with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, led by their former coach, Dean Evason, at the Xcel Energy Center on Thursday night. Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek delivered standout performances, with Eriksson Ek scoring a key second-period goal and Boldy adding a no-look shot in the first period. Mats Zuccarello chipped in with a crucial power-play goal, helping the Wild start the season on a high.
Filip Gustavsson was a wall in goal, making 30 saves and helping the Wild improve to 10-1-1 in home ice season openers. The Blue Jackets’ Kent Johnson had a goal and an assist, while Zach Werenski’s late power-play goal kept things close.
This game also marked the first for the Blue Jackets under Evason, who coached the Wild for three-plus years before being let go last season. Adding to the emotional night, a 13-second moment of silence was held for former Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, who tragically passed away in August.
The Wild face Seattle next, while the Blue Jackets travel to Colorado.