Kaprizov, Hughes connect, newcomers impress in season-opening win: Wild takeaways

The Minnesota Wild opened their season with a 3-1 road victory against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Kirill Kaprizov scored a third-period deflection off a shot from Quinn Hughes, securing the win after first-period goals from Nick Foligno and Blake Coleman. Jesper Wallstedt made 19 saves in net for Minnesota to seal only their second regulation win in their past 11 meetings with Nashville.

Nashville's lone goal came in the second period when Roman Josi beat Wallstedt following an overturned Wild goal for goaltender interference. New additions Coleman, Maxim Shabanov, and Olli Määttä made strong impressions in their debuts, while Minnesota's penalty kill finished a perfect 4-for-4. Hughes led all skaters with 27:30 of ice time while paired with Jared Spurgeon.