Returning home from a short road trip, the Minnesota Wild secured an overtime comeback win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Call it a statement game not in the name of dominance but instead for how it speaks to this club's identity, for better or worse.
The first period started with the ice tilted in favor of Minnesota. The Wild held the puck away from the Blue Jackets, giving nothing away while methodically getting shots on Columbus goaltender Elvis Merzlikins. While Merzlikins had a trying season in 2022-23, he's been a positive force throughout his career. This side of Merzlikins was on full display throughout the first period, and he stopped the quality chances that Minnesota's forwards sent his way.