Wild Escape Detroit with Thrilling 5-4 Victory After Red Wings’ Furious Comeback
Kaprizov’s Hat Trick Seals Dramatic Win at Little Caesars Arena
The Minnesota Wild survived a heart-stopping third-period collapse to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 5-4 on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena. Kirill Kaprizov’s power-play goal with just 1:51 remaining completed his hat trick and rescued two crucial points for Minnesota after Detroit mounted an incredible comeback.
First Period Sets the Stage
The game started with promise for the home crowd. Defenseman Albert Johansson gave Detroit an early 1-0 lead at 1:40 of the first period, skating to the top of the left faceoff circle and beating Filip Gustavsson with a shot off the right post. However, the momentum would soon shift dramatically.
Wild Dominate Second Period
Minnesota exploded for four goals in the second period, turning the game on its head. Matt Boldy, celebrating his 25th birthday, tied the game just 18 seconds into the period with his 41st goal of the season. The wrist shot from the right circle found its way between Cam Talbot’s pads.
Kaprizov gave Minnesota the lead barely a minute later, redirecting Ryan Hartman’s shot at 1:25. Vladimir Tarasenko extended the advantage to 3-1 at 7:03, capitalizing just six seconds after a penalty expired. Kaprizov added his second goal at 12:32, breaking down the left wing and firing over Talbot’s blocker to make it 4-1.
Detroit’s Remarkable Third-Period Rally
The Red Wings refused to surrender. Rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka ignited the comeback at 7:18 with a long wrist shot through traffic, cutting the deficit to 4-2. J.T. Compher made it 4-3 at 11:14, finishing a beautiful backdoor play from Simon Edvinsson’s cross-slot pass.
Patrick Kane completed the comeback at 14:36, flipping Alex DeBrincat’s pass over Gustavsson’s glove to tie the game 4-4. Little Caesars Arena erupted as Detroit outshot Minnesota 14-7 in the final frame.
Game-Deciding Moment
Unfortunately for Detroit, Kane took a tripping penalty at 16:23, giving Minnesota a crucial power play. Kaprizov made the Red Wings pay, unleashing a bar-down slap shot from the right faceoff dot to restore Minnesota’s lead. The goal was Kaprizov’s third of the night and proved to be the game-winner.
“The boys made some nice plays there,” Kaprizov said afterward. “It really felt good to get it in there, especially that late in the game.”
Playoff Implications
The loss stings even more for Detroit given their playoff position. The Red Wings (40-29-8) now sit two points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. With only five games remaining, Detroit has lost four of their last five games, including back-to-back defeats against the Rangers and Wild.
“We’re not six feet under yet,” said center Andrew Copp, maintaining optimism despite the difficult stretch.
Photos: Tim Jarrold – In Play! magazine
