A look at who is trending up and down the past week in Minnesota sports, including Wild forwards Matt Boldy and Ryan Reaves, and Twins stars Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa.
Matt Boldy, Wild forward (UP ⬆)
Deep down, we knew Boldy was a superstar. Now, it’s beyond doubt. The 21-year-old netted the game-winner Tuesday night at Prudential Center against the New Jersey Devils with two seconds to spare in the overtime period. That was a continuation of his breathtaking performance in Kirill Kaprizov’s stead. Boldy has been the best player on the Wild in six games without Dolla Bill Kirill. In that span, the former has 10 points, including the second hat trick of his young career, and a +6 plus/minus. With six goals in his past six games, Boldy has raised his season total to 23, tied for second on Minnesota with Joel Eriksson Ek. His emergence is a big relief for the Wild, who were projected to falter with Kaprizov shelved, but have done the opposite, thriving offensively, posting a 4-1-1 record. Here’s more context on Boldy’s timely breakthrough: In 18 skates from Jan. 28-March 8, Boldy tallied just one goal and six points.
Byron Buxton, Twins center fielder (UP ⬆)
Buxton made his 2023 spring training debut Tuesday and set the tone in a 5-2 win over the Rays. In his very first plate appearance, Buxton packaged a double to the gap in deep right-center field. The two-bagger was enough to quadruple our excitement level for March 30. Baseball is almost here for real!
Carlos Correa, Twins shortstop (UP ⬆)
On Tuesday, Correa reminded fans about the lethal 1-2 punch the Twins can pin at the top of the lineup. After Buxton doubled out of the leadoff spot against Tampa Bay, Correa homered to left field. In Grapefruit League action this year, the two-time All-Star is swinging .294, with five hits in seven games.
Ryan Reaves, Wild forward (UP ⬆)
Usually if Reaves winds up making the highlight reel it’s because he dropped his gloves and rocked some dude. That’s probably why we’re so amazed by his point production in the past five games. Since March 12, Reaves has five points (three goals, two assists) and has ripped seven shots on net. For perspective, Reaves had one point, an assist, and six shots on goal in the five games before his tear. Furthermore, he has only 13 points in 51 contests in a Wild sweater (0.25 ppg). It’s been cool to see Reaves get involved.
Sonny Gray, Twins starting pitcher (UP ⬆)
Tracking to start on Opening Day, Gray has been nails in spring training. In two appearances, the veteran righty has generated eight strikeouts and no walks across 6 2/3 innings with a 2.70 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves big (UP ⬆🤞)
Barring any setbacks, Towns is supposed to return to action Wednesday night vs. Atlanta. The three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection has missed 52 games in a row since suffering a severe calf strain Nov. 28. His return would be significant for Minnesota, which is one game below .500 and battling to stay alive in the playoff race. Best-case scenario, Towns helps the Timberwolves win their final nine games.
