Wild hang on to beat Blue Jackets 3-2 in opener behind Boldy, Eriksson Ek and Gustavsson
Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek scored on a strong night for the second line, Mats Zuccarello added a power-play goal and the Minnesota Wild opened the season by beating former coach Dean Evason and the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek scored on a strong night for the second line, Mats Zuccarello added a power-play goal and the Minnesota Wild opened the season by beating former coach Dean Evason and the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 on Thursday night.
Filip Gustavsson had 30 saves for the Wild, who improved to 10-1-1 in season openers on their home ice at Xcel Energy Center. Gustavsson gave up a power-play goal by Zach Werenski with 2:54 left.
Kent Johnson had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets, who played their first game under Evason. He was fired by the Wild about 10 1/2months ago after a 5-10-4 start last season. Evason went 147-77-27 over three-plus years with Minnesota.
Boldy scored in the first period on a no-look shot.
