It wasn’t too long ago that Kaprizov was viewed as a frontrunner for the Hart Trophy after scoring 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists) through the opening 34 games. His outstanding play in the early stages of this season had the Wild looking very much like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

This wasn’t the way many envisioned this series shaking out. The play of Minnesota Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov and the rest of the youngsters have the State of Hockey believing.

Kirill Kaprizov had two power-play goals and the Minnesota Wild beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 on Thursday to take a 2-1 lead in the first-round series.