A fast first period sets the tone as the Wild open with a 3-1 win over Nashville

Nashville, Tenn. (AP) — Nick Foligno and Blake Coleman scored first-period goals as the Minnesota Wild won 3-1 against the Nashville Predators in their season opener on Thursday night. This marked the Wild's first victory of the year. Foligno and Coleman's goals set a positive tone for the Wild. Kirill Kaprizov added another goal for Minnesota, while Jesper Wallstedt made 19 saves throughout the game.

Nashville's Roman Josi scored the only goal for the Predators, who failed to capitalize on their man advantage. Filip Forsberg matched an NHL record by assisting on Josi's goal, giving him at least a point in 11 consecutive season openers. The Predators have been undergoing changes since hiring Chris MacFarland as general manager and president of hockey operations, following their playoff loss last spring. Minnesota aims to secure a third consecutive postseason berth with this win.