Despite missing four regulars and coming off a crushing loss to the same team, the Wild prevailed in a gutsy 4-3 overtime win at Xcel Energy Center, splitting the first half of a four-game series with the Avalanche before the action moves to Colorado.
Jonas Brodin capped off the comeback just 18 seconds after the extra session began, burying a Jordan Greenway pass for his first career overtime goal.
The finish improved the Wild to 3-0 in overtime games this season while also spoiling a 29-save outing by North Branch's Hunter Miska in his second career start.
To replace those four players, the Wild ushered forwards Gerald Mayhew, Kyle Rau and Luke Johnson onto the roster from the taxi squad and gave Brad Hunt a spot on the blue line.
And in a spunky effort that seemed to channel the inspiration behind the team's retro green and gold threads, the Wild didn't skate like an underdog.
Jorge Polanco will move to second, and Luis Arraez will take over Marwin Gonzalez's utility role as the Twins pick up a Gold Glove-winning shortstop.
- Wild outlast Avalanche in OT on Jonas Brodin winnerReuters
- Brodin gets winner 18 seconds into OT as Wild top Avs 4-3Washington Post
- Wild overcome adversity in 4-3 overtime win over AvalancheTwinCities.com-Pioneer Press
- Avalanche loses Nathan MacKinnon to injury, then the game in OT at MinnesotaThe Denver Post
- MacKinnon injured in Avalanche loss to WildNHL
- Colorado takes on Minnesota, aims for 4th straight home winRaleigh News & Observer
- Wild win in OT after Avalanche lose MacKinnon to lower-body injurySportsnet.ca
- Wild Grind Out Win Over Avs SundayESPN 99.1 FM
- Nathan MacKinnon exits game before Wild smacks Avalanche early in OTColorado Springs Gazette
