Nyquist's goal gives Red Wings 3-2 win vs. Wild, big boost in Eastern Conference playoff chase
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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)
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.