The Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov, the team’s Russian forward, earned the title of first star of the week in the National Hockey League.
Across four outings last week, the 26-year-old produced an impressive eight points, including five goals and three assists. In the win over the Carolina Hurricanes with a 5-2 score, Kaprizov delivered his third career hat trick in the NHL, a milestone that highlighted his impact and scoring versatility.
Kaprizov arrived in Minnesota in 2020 after leaving CSKA Moscow, and his experience has grown into a consistent presence for the Wild. This season, he has skated in 39 games, tallying 18 goals and 24 assists, a reflection of his continued contribution on offense and his playmaking ability.
The second star of the week went to David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins, the Czech forward who posted seven points through three games, with five goals and two assists. The third star was Logan Thompson, the Canadian goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights, whose performance helped his team sweep all three matches. Thompson recorded an average save percentage of 95.6 percent per game, paired with a 1.34 safety factor, underscoring his steadiness between the pipes.
A former Minnesota coach offered insights into Kaprizov’s appeal, explaining why the team and its fans appreciate his style, dedication, and relentless work ethic on the ice. His presence has become a defining element of the Wild’s offensive approach and a talking point across the league about a player who elevates his teammates through consistent scoring and high-energy play.