Minnesota Wild: Latest #KaprizovWatch ends in dramatic fashion

It took longer than expected, but the latest version of the #KaprizovWatch is over.

The Minnesota Wild forward scored his first goal of the season on Tuesday night in the team’s ninth game of the season.

And he did it in dramatic fashion.

With about three minutes left in overtime, Kaprizov one-timed a cross-ice pass from Kevin Fiala on a two-on-one break to give the Wild a 5-4 win over the Ottawa Senators at the Xcel Energy Center.

It kept the Wild perfect in overtime games this season (3-0) and also kept the team perfect in the six games they have played that have been decided by a goal.

The winning goal was another highlight play for the guy nicknamed “The Thrill” and a look at his reaction to the goal, along with those of teammates, said a lot.

In a postgame media session,  Minnesota coach Dean Evason said Kaprizov told a pair Wild assistants that it felt like, “it was his first goal ever.”.

He might have more to say this week as Michael Russo of the Athletic wrote that Kaprizov is expected to talk to the media after Thursday’s practice.

The hope is with the pressure and frustration lifted — after near misses like this — and also a haircut last week, it might the start of beginning of goal celebrations for the second-year player, who scored 27 times last year on his way to the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie.

Kaprizov, who had fans on edge all summer with his ongoing contract situation, got off the scoring snide against the Senators but Fiala is still after his first goal of the season. But he had two assists against the Senators, three shots and at least one quality chance.

Kaprizov also had an assist and six shots on net and, along with Fiala, was energized throughout the game.

“Kevin especially early,” Evason said. “They just worked. Worked hard. Both won a lot of battles and did a lot of right things. We all did. We played against a real good hockey club – (one that is) hard to pay against, got a lot of elements and we hung in there.”