Wild beat Kraken 5-2, set up playoff series against Dallas Stars

Vladimir Tarasenko broke the tie in the second period, while Matt Boldy contributed both a goal and an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a 5–2 win over the struggling Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night. The Wild also caught a break twice, as replay reviews overturned calls in their favor.

Marcus Johansson added a goal and an assist as Minnesota extended its winning streak to four games and completed a season sweep of Seattle. Marcus Foligno scored early in the second period to even the game, and Joel Eriksson Ek chipped in with an empty-net goal along with two assists.

Despite a rocky start, goaltender Jesper Wallstedt settled in and finished with 25 saves to secure the victory.

With the win, Minnesota moved within two points of Dallas for second place in the Central Division and Western Conference. The two teams are set to meet Thursday in Texas, with just four regular-season games left before they face off again in the first round of the playoffs. Home-ice advantage is still undecided.

Seattle got goals from Brandon Montour and Adam Larsson in the first period but continued its slump, dropping its sixth straight game.

Two key moments in the game required video review, and both ultimately favored Minnesota. Boldy’s first-period goal was initially waved off for a high stick but was overturned after review, tying the game at one.

Later, Seattle appeared to score on a shot by Jaden Schwartz, but that goal was also overturned. Officials determined that Frederick Gaudreau interfered with Wallstedt by holding down his glove, preventing a save.

Johansson sealed the win in the third period with his 200th career goal, finishing off a perfect pass from Boldy in front of the net. Kraken goalie Joey Daccord made 24 saves in the loss.