DETROIT – Marco Rossi found the back of the net with just 1:25 left in overtime, propelling the Minnesota Wild to a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night.
Just after exiting the penalty box for a hooking infraction, Rossi seized the opportunity during a breakaway, managing to send the puck past the goal line with a timely shot.
Matt Boldy contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, aiding Minnesota in overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the third period. Marcus Foligno and Vinnie Hinostroza also added their names to the score sheet, while goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury showcased his skills by stopping 27 shots throughout the game.
For Detroit, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Lucas Raymond each registered a goal and an assist. Larkin’s power-play goal marked his 13th of the season, putting him in a tie with Tampa Bay’s Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point for the most in the league.
Andrew Copp reached a milestone by gathering his 300th career point in his 700th game with an assist in the first period. Cam Talbot was impressive as well for Detroit, recording 35 saves during the match.
Highlights of the Game:
For the Wild, the absence of leading scorer Kirill Kaprizov, out for seven games due to a lower-body injury and placed on long-term injured reserve, has not hurt the team’s performance; they have managed a commendable 5-2 record in his absence.
In contrast, Red Wings’ Copp, who was playing center on the second line, was unable to finish the game due to an injury sustained during a confrontation late in the second period.
Turning Point:
Facing a 3-2 deficit, Minnesota pulled Fleury for an additional skater. This strategic move paid off when Foligno tied the game with a precise shot on the left side following a setup from Rossi.
Noteworthy Achievement:
Fleury, at age 40, made his 1,045th career appearance, surpassing Roberto Luongo to take second place on the NHL’s all-time goaltender games played list. The all-time record belongs to Martin Brodeur, who logged 1,266 games. It has been announced that Fleury will retire at the end of this season.
Looking Ahead:
The Wild and Red Wings are set to face off again in a rematch at the Wild’s home arena on Tuesday evening.
