Wild Cruise Past Panthers 4-1 in Preseason Action Behind Kaprizov's Power-Play Strike

The Minnesota Wild secured a decisive 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers in 2026-27 NHL Preseason action. Kirill Kaprizov scored a key power-play goal as Minnesota utilized strong special teams to dictate the pace of the game.

The decisive moment

The Minnesota Wild delivered a commanding performance against the Florida Panthers on Sunday, skating away with a decisive 4-1 victory. In a matchup that tested the depth of both organizations, the Wild capitalized on early opportunities to dictate the pace of play. A crucial sequence unfolded when Shabanov perfectly set up Kirill Kaprizov for a power-play goal. This key tally extended Minnesota's lead to 2-0 and firmly tilted the momentum in their favor. The Panthers struggled to mount a sustained counterattack against a stout Wild defensive effort for the remainder of the contest.

By the numbers

Without the full array of opening-night regulars available, both teams utilized this 2026-27 NHL Preseason matchup to evaluate their organizational depth. The Wild's special teams shone brightly, underscored by the precise execution on the Kaprizov power-play strike.

Final Score: Minnesota Wild 4, Florida Panthers 1
Goal Differential: 3 goals in favor of Minnesota
Highlight Marker: Kirill Kaprizov power-play goal, assisted by Shabanov

The three-goal margin highlighted Minnesota's ability to efficiently finish their scoring chances when given open ice. The Panthers, meanwhile, will need to address their penalty kill and defensive zone coverage before the games officially begin counting in the standings.

What it means

This exhibition contest offered both coaching staffs a valuable opportunity to test their system depth and evaluate players on the bubble. The Wild secured a comprehensive win despite navigating several notable absences, including Marcus Foligno and Zach Bogosian, both sidelined with lower-body issues. Furthermore, goaltender Filip Gustavsson remained unavailable due to a hip injury, forcing Minnesota to rely on their depth in the crease. For Florida, compensating for the absences of Samuel Honzek and veteran forward Jonathan Huberdeau proved to be a difficult challenge. Finding immediate chemistry without these lineup staples remains a significant priority for the Panthers as they prepare for the grueling campaign ahead.

What to watch next

Both squads will use the dwindling days of the preseason schedule to finalize their rosters and make difficult personnel decisions. The Wild will look to carry this offensive momentum and special teams success forward into their upcoming contests. Conversely, the Panthers must aim to quickly refine their defensive structure and generate more consistent offensive pressure as the regular season rapidly approaches.