Kaprizov hoping to help Wild break through in playoffs

Forward looks to correct 'small things,' feels he has another gear

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:00am

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Kirill Kaprizov, the Minnesota Wild's leading scorer, believes he has not yet reached his full potential this season, despite being among the NHL's top 10 scorers. Kaprizov is determined to find his best game before the playoffs, where the Wild are headed for the sixth time in the past seven seasons. The 25-year-old forward leads the Wild with 80 points (38 goals, 42 assists) in 69 games, and has broken the franchise record for most goals scored.

Why it matters

Kaprizov's ability to elevate his game in the playoffs could be crucial for the Wild's chances of making a deep postseason run. The team has struggled to break through in the playoffs in recent years, and Kaprizov's continued development and leadership could be the key to unlocking their full potential.

The details

Kaprizov acknowledged that he has not been playing his best hockey this season, citing small mistakes and turnovers. However, he is confident that he can find his top gear as the playoffs approach. The 25-year-old forward leads the Wild with 16 power-play goals and 5 game-winning goals, and his puck-handling skills and hockey IQ have earned him praise from opponents like Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard.

  • Kaprizov broke the Wild's franchise record for most goals scored earlier this month.
  • The Wild (39-18-12) are headed to the playoffs for the sixth time in the past seven seasons.

The players

Kirill Kaprizov

A 25-year-old forward for the Minnesota Wild who leads the team in scoring with 80 points (38 goals, 42 assists) in 69 games this season. He has broken the franchise record for most goals scored.

Connor Bedard

A Blackhawks forward who praised Kaprizov's puck protection and hockey IQ, calling him one of his favorite players to watch in the league and one of the best.

John Hynes

The head coach of the Minnesota Wild, who praised Kaprizov's natural talent, competitiveness, and team-first mentality.

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What they’re saying

“This year, many games when I'm not playing my best hockey. It's small things, you know. I have some turnovers, can't score or not playing right away how I want to.”

— Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild forward

“His puck protection and hockey IQ. He's a very unique skater and for a defenseman, the way he skates, it's so hard to get the puck off him. He's so good at finding areas and finding his teammates. He's one of my favorite players to watch in the League and one of the best we have, so fun to play him.”

— Connor Bedard, Blackhawks forward

“The thing that sticks out to me with Kirill is just how he's such a naturally talented player but he's an extremely competitive guy. For as good an offensive player he is, he cares about playing on both sides of the puck. And he's a great teammate. He's a guy who cares about the team, cares about winning and it's nice when you have a player with that talent, an elite player in the league who has a team-first mentality and is willing to play the game that's required to play to win, and that's on both sides of the puck.”

— John Hynes, Minnesota Wild head coach

What’s next

The Wild will face the Blackhawks again on Thursday (March 23, 2026) as they continue their push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Kirill Kaprizov's continued development and leadership will be crucial for the Minnesota Wild as they look to break through in the playoffs this season. Despite not playing his best hockey at times, Kaprizov's natural talent, competitiveness, and team-first mentality make him one of the league's elite players and a key to the Wild's success.