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A Fast First Period Sets the Tone as the Wild Open with a 3-1 Win over Nashville
Nick Foligno and Blake Coleman scored in the first period, and Jesper Wallstedt made 19 saves in Minnesota’s road win.
On Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Minnesota Wild defeated the Nashville Predators 3-1 at Bridgestone Arena in the season opener for both teams.
Minnesota targets a third straight postseason berth after Coach John Hynes received a contract extension last month, while Nashville retooled under General Manager Chris MacFarland.
Nick Foligno and Blake Coleman scored first-period goals, while Kirill Kaprizov added a third-period tally. Goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 19 saves, limiting Roman Josi to Nashville's lone goal.
The Predators host Dallas on Saturday night, while the Wild return to St. Paul for their home opener against the Boston Bruins at Grand Casino Arena on Saturday.
Minnesota faces a challenging road-heavy schedule, playing 21 of its first 31 games away from home. Nashville looks to improve after missing the playoffs in three of the past four seasons.