SEATTLE (Interstat) — Mats Zuccarello scored 8:09 into overtime to lift the Minnesota Wild to a 3-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday night. The Wild built a two-goal lead in the first period on scores from Brock Faber and Ryan Hartman. Seattle rallied in the third with goals from Matty Beniers and Adam Larsson to force overtime. Zuccarello ended it with a wrist shot, assisted by Kirill Kaprizov and Faber. Faber, named the game’s top star, finished with a goal and an assist for Minnesota. Vince Dunn had two assists for the Kraken. The Wild improved to 26-19, while Seattle fell to 20-22 before an announced crowd of 17,151.

SEATTLE (Interstat) — Mats Zuccarello scored 2:09 into overtime to cap a productive road trip for the Minnesota Wild, who held off a late Seattle Kraken rally for a 3-2 victory on Thursday night. Zuccarello finished a rush with a wrist shot off a feed from Kirill Kaprizov, sending the Wild to a winning finish on a two-week, seven-game trip necessitated by the world junior championships being held at their home arena. Minnesota went 4-1-2 on the lengthy swing. The Wild built a 2-0 lead in the first period and carried it deep into the third before Seattle scored twice in the final 12 minutes to force overtime. Jesper Wallstedt made 26 saves for Minnesota to secure the win. Brock Faber, named the game’s top star, opened the scoring for Minnesota with a wrist shot at 15:54 of the first period. Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy assisted on the goal. Ryan Hartman doubled the lead just over four minutes later, converting a pass from Kaprizov at the five-minute mark. The game remained 2-0 through a scoreless second period, thanks in part to Wallstedt and Seattle goaltender Philipp Grubauer, who made 38 saves. The Kraken finally broke through on a power play at 7:07 of the third period. Matty Beniers netted his eighth goal of the season, with assists from Jared McCann and Vince Dunn. Seattle completed the comeback just over two minutes later. Adam Larsson blasted a slap shot past Wallstedt at 9:13, with Dunn earning his second assist of the night to tie the game 2-2. The Kraken pressed for a go-ahead goal but could not solve Wallstedt again in regulation. In the extra period, Kaprizov collected the puck and led a two-on-one with Zuccarello, who finished the play for his fifth goal of the season. Faber recorded the secondary assist for a two-point night. Minnesota improved to 26-19 overall. Seattle fell to 20-22. The game featured four minor penalties. Seattle’s Adam Larsson was called for high-sticking in the first period. Minnesota’s Ryan Hartman (tripping), Jake Middleton (tripping) and Yakov Trenin (elbowing) were penalized later in the contest. The announced attendance was 17,151 at Climate Pledge Arena. The Wild, who defeated the Kraken 4-1 in Seattle on Dec. 8, will now return home to host the New York Islanders on Saturday. The Kraken begin a six-game road trip Saturday at the Carolina Hurricanes. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the projected final score was Seattle 4, Minnesota 3. The same service’s ELO system gave Minnesota a 56.90 percent probability to win. The total of five goals went under the over/under line of 6.

Kraken Host Surging Wild in Key Western Conference Matchup SEATTLE (Interstat) — Two teams trending in opposite directions will meet Thursday night when the Seattle Kraken host the Minnesota Wild at Climate Pledge Arena. The Wild (25-19-0) arrive in Seattle holding the first Western Conference wild-card spot, looking to build on a successful stretch that has seen them win seven of their last 11 games. Their recent road swing concluded with a 2-1 record in California, though they are coming off a 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Monday. A player to watch for Minnesota is veteran defenseman Jared Spurgeon, who recorded a goal and an assist in that loss. He has been a consistent contributor, logging six points (2 goals, 4 assists) and 25 hits over his last 10 games. Conversely, the Kraken (19-21-0) are fighting to climb back into the playoff picture. They have shown signs of life, however, entering Thursday on a four-game winning streak. Their most recent victory was a decisive 5-1 road win over the Calgary Flames on Monday. Seattle’s resurgence has been backstopped by goaltender Philipp Grubauer, who is expected to start. Grubauer has been stellar during the streak, posting a 4-0-0 record with a .971 save percentage, allowing just four goals on 138 shots over those victories. The teams have met once already this season, with the Wild securing a 4-1 victory in Seattle on Dec. 8. The Kraken will aim to avenge that loss and extend their win streak before embarking on a challenging six-game road trip beginning Saturday in Carolina. For Minnesota, this contest opens a brief two-game homestand before they return home to face the New York Islanders on Saturday. The matchup pits Minnesota’s balanced attack, which has scored at least five goals in five of their last 12 games, against a Seattle defense and goaltender that have recently found a lockdown form. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST.