Wild Race to Early Lead, Beat Flames 4-1

Gustavsson makes 29 saves as Minnesota takes down Calgary

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Minnesota Wild scored twice in the first period and went on to defeat the Calgary Flames 4-1 on Thursday night. Danila Yurov and Vinnie Hinostroza scored in the opening frame, and Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov added late goals in the third period to seal the victory. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson made 29 saves for the Wild, who are tied for second in the NHL in points.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Wild firmly in the playoff hunt, as they continue to jockey for position in the tight Western Conference race. Calgary, meanwhile, has now lost five straight games and is struggling to maintain its spot in the postseason picture.

The details

Minnesota jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Yurov and Hinostroza. The Flames got on the board in the third period with a goal from Morgan Frost, but Boldy and Kaprizov scored late to secure the victory for the Wild. Gustavsson was solid in net, turning aside 29 of 30 shots he faced.

  • The game was played on Thursday, January 30, 2026.
  • Minnesota scored twice in the first period to take a 2-0 lead.
  • Frost scored for Calgary in the third period to make it 2-1.
  • Boldy and Kaprizov scored late in the third period to make it 4-1 Wild.

The players

Filip Gustavsson

The Minnesota Wild goaltender who made 29 saves in the victory.

Danila Yurov

The Minnesota Wild forward who scored in the first period to give his team an early lead.

Vinnie Hinostroza

The Minnesota Wild forward who scored in the first period to extend the Wild's lead to 2-0.

Matt Boldy

The Minnesota Wild forward who scored a late power-play goal to make it 3-1.

Kirill Kaprizov

The Minnesota Wild forward who scored an empty-net goal to seal the 4-1 victory.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with that same intensity and focus as we head into the final stretch before the Olympic break.”

— Dean Evason, Minnesota Wild Head Coach

What’s next

The Wild will visit the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, while the Flames will host the San Jose Sharks.

The takeaway

The Wild's strong start and balanced scoring attack proved too much for the struggling Flames, as Minnesota continued its push towards the top of the Western Conference standings.