Wild Beat Panthers 4-1 as Kaprizov Scores Hat Trick

Minnesota Wild defeated the Florida Panthers 4-1 on Saturday night, October 10, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, spoiling the home team's season opener in front of 19,856 fans. Kirill Kaprizov scored a hat trick as Minnesota capitalized on defensive mistakes to hand Florida its first regulation loss of the season. According to the game report published by The Hockey News, Florida had earned points in each of its first four games during a season-opening road trip.

The defeat ended that streak as the Panthers returned home before a sellout crowd. Minnesota took control just 53 seconds into the first period. Matt Boldy carried the puck through the neutral zone and entered Florida's defensive zone with room to shoot after a lapse by the defensive pairing of Seth Jones and Niko Mikkola.

Boldy's long wrist shot beat Florida goaltender Jacob Markstrom to give the Wild a 1-0 lead. Kaprizov extended the advantage to 2-0 about five minutes later, scoring his fourth goal of the season on a Minnesota power play.

Florida responded early in the second period when Matthew Tkachuk recovered his own rebound and put the puck past Minnesota goaltender Jesper Wallstedt at 2:18. The goal cut the deficit to 2-1 and gave the Panthers an opportunity to get back into the game. However, Minnesota restored its two-goal cushion just under three minutes later. Boldy supplied the pass that allowed Kaprizov to score his second goal of the night, making it 3-1 exactly five minutes into the middle period.

Kaprizov completed his hat trick with 64 seconds remaining in the game. From just inside Minnesota's blue line, he sent the puck down the ice into Florida's empty net, securing the 4-1 final score and his third goal of the night. Boldy contributed to Minnesota's opening goal and assisted on Kaprizov's second tally, helping the Wild build their lead through the first two periods. Florida managed one goal despite playing its first home game after the four-game road trip.

The game took place on October 10, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. The result gave Minnesota a 4-1 victory over the defending Florida-based home side in front of a reported crowd of 19,856.