MINNEAPOLIMEDIA SPORTS | Wild Rally Earns a Point in Edmonton, but Overtime Penalty Proves Costly as Minnesota Falls 4–3

Minnesota’s only major professional game Tuesday ended in an overtime loss, while the Timberwolves confirmed McDaniels’ extension ahead of their season opener.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (October 21, 2026). The Minnesota Wild recovered from a two-goal third-period deficit Tuesday night, only to lose 4–3 to the Edmonton Oilers after an overtime penalty gave one of hockey’s most dangerous power plays another opportunity.

Evan Bouchard scored the winner at 3:32 of overtime at Rogers Place after Minnesota was penalized for having too many men on the ice. The Wild earned a standings point for reaching overtime and finished the night at 6–2–2. Edmonton improved to 7–1–1.

The Wild supplied the only game result among Minnesota’s seven major professional franchises on October 20. The Timberwolves remained between preseason and opening night, the Vikings prepared for Indianapolis, Minnesota United awaited its next MLS fixture, and the Twins, Lynx and Frost were outside active competition.

Third-Period Response Keeps Minnesota in the Game

Minnesota trailed 3–1 before Kirill Kaprizov scored his NHL-leading 11th goal of the season. Ryan Hartman followed with his first goal of the year, completing the recovery and sending the game beyond regulation.

Their goals came 2 minutes, 37 seconds apart, rather than the 97-second interval in the initial account. Kaprizov scored at 10:30 of the third period, and Hartman tied the game at 13:07.

Kaprizov also contributed an assist, while Joel Eriksson Ek scored Minnesota’s other goal. Jesper Wallstedt finished with 28 saves.

For Edmonton, Leon Draisaitl scored twice on the power play, Mathieu Joseph added a goal and Connor McDavid recorded three assists. Bouchard’s overtime finish came on his 27th birthday.

The comeback changed what Minnesota took from the opening game of its road trip. A regulation defeat would have left the Wild without a point. Reaching overtime preserved one, although the final penalty denied Minnesota the chance to complete the recovery with a victory.

Special Teams Decide the Outcome

Edmonton converted three of five power-play opportunities. Minnesota went scoreless on three chances.

That difference accounted for three of Edmonton’s four goals, including the winner. The Wild recovered at even strength in the third period, but their penalty trouble repeatedly gave Edmonton opportunities to regain control.

The overtime bench penalty was particularly costly because it created a four-on-three advantage. Bouchard’s finish ended a game Minnesota had worked its way back into after facing a two-goal deficit.

The result leaves two distinct conclusions for the Wild: their third-period response salvaged a point, while the special-teams imbalance prevented that response from producing a win.

Injuries Continue to Affect the Road Trip

Nico Sturm returned to the lineup against Edmonton after missing three games. His availability provided some relief for a roster still missing several established players.

Reporting from Tuesday’s morning skate indicated that Jared Spurgeon and Olli Maatta were nearing returns but were not ready to play. Their participation in skating activities should not be treated as clearance for the next game.

Brock Faber remains unavailable following surgery for a skull fracture suffered during preseason. No return timetable has been established.

Marcus Foligno and Nick Foligno also remained among Minnesota’s injured players. The team’s October 20 injury report listed no timetable for either forward.

Goaltender Filip Gustavsson continues recovering from hip surgery. The Hockey News reported October 18 that he had resumed skating independently, but coach John Hynes indicated that a return within another month was unlikely.

That supports an extended absence, rather than a confirmed late-November comeback. Wallstedt and Calvin Pickard continue handling Minnesota’s goaltending responsibilities while Gustavsson progresses through recovery.

Calgary Is Next

The Edmonton game opened Minnesota’s five-game trip. Four road games remain before the Wild return to Saint Paul.

The Seattle and Vancouver games create consecutive nights of competition. Minnesota then finishes the trip in Utah before hosting the Islanders at Grand Casino Arena. The team’s published schedule confirms the upcoming sequence.

Timberwolves Confirm McDaniels Deal Before Miami Opener

The Timberwolves did not play Tuesday, but they officially announced Jaden McDaniels’ extension after Monday night’s reports of an agreement.

The reported terms add one year at $40 million and keep McDaniels under contract through 2029–30. Minnesota opens its regular season against Miami on Wednesday, October 21.

McDaniels averaged 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season, according to Sportsnet’s reporting on the agreement. His retention extends Minnesota’s investment in a forward with a substantial role on both offense and defense.

Vikings Prepare to Resume Unbeaten Season

The Vikings had no game Tuesday. Their Week 6 bye is complete, and they return Sunday, October 25, against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon Central time on CBS. Minnesota remains 5–0, having defeated New Orleans 23–13 in its last game October 11.

The Colts matchup precedes a divisional trip to Detroit November 1, a Monday night home game against Buffalo November 9 and a visit to Green Bay November 15.

Minnesota United Awaits Houston

Minnesota United did not play Tuesday. The Loons’ latest result remains their October 17 comeback victory over St. Louis CITY SC at Allianz Field.

Aziel Jackson subsequently earned a place on the bench of MLS Team of the Matchday 31 after helping begin that recovery. His 49th-minute goal started Minnesota’s response against a St. Louis team whose 21-match unbeaten run ended that afternoon.

The club identifies Houston as its next opponent this weekend, with four regular-season matches remaining in Minnesota’s pursuit of a playoff place.

Twins and Lynx Have Completed Their Seasons

The Twins had no game Tuesday. They finished the season 77–85 and missed the playoffs.

The Lynx were also inactive after their first-round playoff elimination by New York. The Liberty won the best-of-three series 2–0. Minnesota’s season ended September 29 with an 87–71 defeat.

Frost Await November Training Camp

The Minnesota Frost remain in the offseason. Their 30-player training camp is scheduled to begin November 18 at TRIA Rink, following the women’s world championship.

The announced group includes 17 forwards, nine defenders and four goaltenders. Minnesota has preseason scrimmages scheduled against Las Vegas November 22 and Vancouver November 23 in Henderson, Nevada.

The Frost open their regular season December 5 at San Jose. Their home opener follows December 13 against Seattle at Grand Casino Arena.

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