Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild earned recognition as the first star of the NHL game day during the regular season, underscoring his continued impact as a cornerstone player for his team.
Following him in the announcement, Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders claimed the second star after delivering the overtime winner that secured a 3-2 victory against the Dallas Stars. Horvat’s late heroics highlighted a game that featured high tempo, tight checking, and clutch moments that hockey fans in Canada and the United States alike will remember for their dramatic finish. The third star went to Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Lyon, who turned aside 27 of 28 shots in a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, illustrating the kind of goaltending performance that can tilt tight contests in any season.
In a standout performance against the Carolina Hurricanes on January 22, Kaprizov delivered a hat trick, electrifying the arena and demonstrating the scoring touch that has defined his tenure with the Wild. The historic night added another chapter to a season that has seen him consistently produce at a high rate for Minnesota, reinforcing his role as a dynamic offensive catalyst in the lineup.
Across this season, Kaprizov has appeared in 39 NHL games, recording 18 goals and 25 assists, numbers that place him at or near the top of the team’s scoring chart. His production has been a defining feature of Minnesota’s offense, contributing not only goals and assists but also a presence that draws attention from opposing defenses and liberates opportunities for teammates. His ability to read plays, create seam passes, and finish from high-prep areas makes him a constant threat and a trusted option in tight, late-game situations.
Kaprizov joined the Minnesota roster in 2020 after moving from CSKA Moscow, a transition that signaled a new era for the Wild as they integrated a high-skill forward into their core. The journey of this Russian forward has included challenges off the ice, notably the complications he faced in the summer of 2022 when visa issues prevented his return to the United States. He initially explored travel routes through Dubai and then through a Caribbean island nation in hopes of obtaining work authorization, but those paths did not succeed. Despite these hurdles, Kaprizov remained focused on the ice and continued to compete at an elite level, earning respect from fans across North America for his perseverance and skill.
Historically, Kaprizov’s ascent in Minnesota hockey has been marked by his rapid rise through the ranks and his impact on the franchise’s record books. Earlier reports noted his climb to fourth place on the list of the Wild’s top snipers, a testament to his scoring touch and his role in shaping the team’s offensive legacy. This season’s performances have only strengthened his standing among Minnesota’s most prolific goal scorers, as he consistently demonstrates the speed, vision, and finish that make him a perennial contender for team honors and national consideration.