Wild's Kirill Kaprizov scores hat trick to defeat Red Wings 5-4

Minnesota forward completes sixth career NHL hat trick in final minutes to lead comeback win over Detroit.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Detroit Red Wings were defeated 5-4 by the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal with 1:51 remaining, to lead Minnesota to the comeback victory. The Red Wings had rallied from a 4-1 deficit to tie the game in the third period before Kaprizov's late power play goal.

Why it matters

The loss is a setback for the Red Wings, who had been in a playoff position in the Eastern Conference but have now lost 12 of their last 20 games to fall out of a postseason spot with just five games remaining. Kaprizov's heroics continue to cement his status as one of the NHL's elite young stars.

The details

The Wild led 4-1 before the Red Wings scored three unanswered goals in the third period to tie the game. But with Detroit's Patrick Kane in the penalty box, Kaprizov completed his hat trick by scoring the game-winning goal on the power play with 1:51 left. Matt Boldy and Mats Zuccarello assisted on the decisive tally. Cam Talbot made 18 saves in the loss for Detroit, while Minnesota's Filip Gustavsson stopped 18 shots.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Kaprizov scored the game-winning goal with 1:51 remaining in regulation.

The players

Kirill Kaprizov

A 24-year-old forward for the Minnesota Wild who scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal, to lead his team to victory.

Patrick Kane

A forward for the Detroit Red Wings who took a penalty late in the game that led to Kaprizov's game-winning goal.

Cam Talbot

The goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings who made 18 saves in the losing effort.

Filip Gustavsson

The goaltender for the Minnesota Wild who made 18 saves to earn the win.

Matt Boldy

A forward for the Minnesota Wild who recorded an assist on the game-winning goal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Kirill is just an incredible player. He willed us to this win with that hat trick.”

— Dean Evason, Head Coach, Minnesota Wild

What’s next

The Red Wings will look to bounce back in their next game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, April 7th.

The takeaway

Kaprizov's late heroics kept the Wild in the playoff hunt and dealt a blow to the Red Wings' postseason aspirations, underscoring the importance of discipline and closing out games for teams battling for a spot in the crowded NHL playoff race.