And when the Wild were defending an extra attacker with the Lightning’s net empty, Hynes was comfortable putting Kaprizov on the ice. Some stars in the league who can’t be relied upon don’t get that treatment, yet Kaprizov has now scored three empty net goals out of his seven.

Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov was struck in the mouth by an errant puck and missed much of the second period of Tuesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings before returning for the third.

Kirill Kaprizov has found a way to thrive early this season and the Wild need him to keep up his successful scoring ways.