Minnesota Wild Defeats Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2

In their season opener, the Minnesota Wild defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2, with notable performances from Matt Boldy, who scored a goal and provided two assists, and Joel Eriksson Ek, who added another goal. The Wild's second line, consisting of Boldy, Eriksson Ek, and Marcus Johansson, was particularly effective, contributing significantly to the victory. Columbus' Kent Johnson scored and assisted, while Zach Werenski netted a late power-play goal. The game was emotionally charged, marking Columbus' first regular-season match since the tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, which prompted a moment of silence before the game. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson made 30 saves for the Wild, helping secure the win against former Wild coach Dean Evason's Blue Jackets. This victory improved the Wild's record to 10-1-1 in home openers at Xcel Energy Center.