Nyquist's goal gives Red Wings 3-2 win vs. Wild, big boost in Eastern Conference playoff chase

Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu (9) of Finland, is congratulated by teammates Matt Moulson (26), Zach Parise (11), and Jason Pominville (29) after scoring a power play goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 22, 2014, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia) (The Associated Press)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gustav Nyquist's third-period goal gave the Detroit Red Wings a 3-2 victory Saturday over the Minnesota Wild, their fourth in the last five games.

Jimmy Howard made 28 saves, and Brendan Smith and David Legwand each scored on a power play for the Red Wings, who were in a 2-for-25 slump with the man advantage until getting goals on both of their opportunities against the Wild.

Mikko Koivu gave the Wild an early lead, on a power play, and Charlie Coyle tied the game on a penalty shot. But the Wild, clinging to a wild card spot in the Western Conference race, fell to 2-3-4 in nine games since the trade deadline.