Kirill Kaprizov’s monthlong layoff is over. The Wild’s leading scorer and captain Jared Spurgeon will be back in action Thursday when the Wild face Utah Hockey Club at Xcel Energy Center. Both practiced Wednesday at Tria Rink in St.

Kaprizov had a couple scoring chances for the Wild (28-16-4), who were delighted to get their superstar back after he missed the last 12 games with a lower-body injury. Karel Vejmelka made 26 saves for Utah (21-19-7) in what was just their second shutout win of the season.

The Minnesota Wild placed their top-scoring contributor on LTIR on Friday in Kirill Kaprizov because of an aggravated lower-body injury. Minnesota has been one of the NHL's biggest surprises in 2024-24, sitting in second place of the Central Division with 58 points.

Karel Vejmelka made 26 saves for his first shutout of the season, Barrett Hayton scored twice and Utah beat the Minnesota Wild 4-0 on Thursday night for its third straight victory.

The Minnesota Wild host the Utah Hockey Club Thursday night at Xcel Energy Center, and could be getting two of their best players back from injury. Forward Kirill Kaprizov and defenseman Jared Spurgeon were on the ice with the team at practice on Wednesday at TRIA Rink.

Upon his return from injury on Wednesday, Kirill Kaprizov’s teammates said they missed his smile. “It’s really good to have him back,” Kaprizov’s Norwegian bestie, Mats Zuccarello, said after seeing him after Wednesday’s practice.

But Sunday, Jan. 12 NHL action has two of the Western Conference leaders looking ... The Wild remain without their offensive star and heartbeat, Kirill Kaprizov, who leads the team with 27 goals ...

Barrett Hayton scores twice, Karel Vejmelka earns first shutout of season as Utah Hockey Club beats Minnesota, 4-0, for third straight win

ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Wild (28-15-4) have been without their superstar forward Kirill Kaprizov since December 27th. He is set to return tonight against the Utah Hockey Club (20-19-7). Kaprizov, 27, missed the last 12 games with a lower-body injury. He was originally given a day-to-day timeline which eventually turned out to be four weeks.

"We're choosing to lose," coach John Hynes said after the Wild's woes at home continued with a 5-4 loss to the Flames.

Saturday, 5 p.m. MT, Xcel Energy Center TV: Sportsnet West. Radio: Sportsnet 960 The Fan Odds: Flames +155, Wild -188 The buzz Feisty forward Ryan Lomberg is aware that plenty of outsiders remain unconvinced that his Calgary Flames can stick in a playoff spot.

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