Minnesota Wild Win Season Opener Against Blue Jackets

In the NHL season opener, the Minnesota Wild defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2, spoiling Dean Evason's return as the Blue Jackets' head coach. Matt Boldy scored the first goal for the Wild, followed by contributions from Joel Eriksson Ek and Mats Zuccarello, while Zach Werenski pulled the Blue Jackets closer late in the game. Evason, who previously coached the Wild, was honored with a video tribute during the game, which also remembered Johnny Gaudreau, a former Blue Jackets player who tragically passed away in August. The Wild's Filip Gustavsson was instrumental in the victory, saving 31 of 33 shots, while Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins stopped 23 of 26. The game was charged with emotion due to Evason's departure from Minnesota and the recent tragedy surrounding Gaudreau's death. Minnesota will next face the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.