ST PAUL, Minn. — Kirill Kaprizov scored his first goal of the season 2:02 into overtime, and Minnesota beat Ottawa 5-4, ending a two-game losing streak.
Tough guy Marcus Foligno scored twice for Minnesota, which got points from 11 players and won for the sixth time — all the victories by just one goal.
Cam Talbot had 24 saves for the Wild, winners of nine straight against Ottawa. Ten players had points for Ottawa.
The game was a see-saw affair, with the Wild jumping out to a 2-0 lead and ending the first period up 3-1. But the second 20 minutes was a nightmare for Minnesota, with the Senators scoring three consecutive goals in less than six minutes to take a 4-3 lead.
Foligno refused to let the Wild go quietly, however, putting in a feed from defenseman Matt Dumba for his second goal of the night. The big winger has a reputation as a checker and physical presence, but his scoring this year has been instrumental in helping the Wild to six wins.
That goal set the stage for a huge moment in OT where the Wild's two best offensive players, both struggling mightily this young season, combined for a beautiful goal that could help get them on track. Winger Kevin Fiala stole a puck, fought off a defender and entered the Ottawa zone to set up a two-on-one. His picture-perfect feed to Kaprizov was followed by a laser beam shot that left Senator's goalie Filip Gustavsson with absolutely no chance.
"I think he said to [assistant coaches] [Bob Woods] or [Brett McLean] after the game, it feels like his first goal ever," Wild coach Dean Evason told NHL.com. "He's pretty excited obviously. It's one thing for him to be excited but to see his teammates that's exciting for us."
Kaprizov, the reigning NHL Rookie of the Year, had not scored a goal all year and was obviously feeling pressure to perform after signing a record 5-year, $45 million deal with the Wild.
In another milestone moment young Minnesota defenseman Calen Addison scored his first NHL goal on Hockey Fights Cancer Night. It was the seventh anniversary of his beloved grandfather's death from cancer.
Drake Batherson had a goal and assist. Gustavsson overcame a shaky start and made 38 saves, including 20 in the third period.
