The Minnesota Wild pulled off a dramatic overtime victory against the Detroit Red Wings, winning 4-3 on February 22, 2025. The game, held at Little Caesars Arena, saw Marco Rossi clinch the win with just 1:25 remaining in overtime, solidifying the Wild's comeback from a 3-1 deficit.
Initially, the Red Wings seemed to have control of the game. Alex DeBrincat opened the scoring with his 25th goal of the season at 7:54 of the first period. This followed Ryan Copp’s impressive puck steal and setup, allowing DeBrincat to score with a deft backhander past Marc-Andre Fleury, the Wild's goalie. The Red Wings quickly built on this initial momentum, with Dylan Larkin doubling the lead at 5:41 of the second period during a power play, putting the Red Wings up 2-0.
But the Wild, led by their tenacity, swiftly rallied. The turning point came late in the third period. After allowing the Red Wings to extend their lead to 3-1, the Wild outshot Detroit 17-5, demonstrating their determination to claw back. Minnesota's Vinnie Hinostroza found the net at 6:53, cutting the deficit to one. The pressure mounted as the Wild pulled their goalie for an extra skater, leading to Marcus Foligno tying the game with 1:31 left on the clock.
Rossi's overtime goal came after he exited the penalty box, seizing the opportunity to score on a breakaway, much to the disappointment of the Red Wings. This victory marked the Wild's third consecutive win, and with this game, they improved to 5-2 without their leading scorer Kirill Kaprizov, who is sidelined with injury. Rossi's scoring prowess was on full display, earning him praise from commentators and fans alike.
DeBrincat, Larkin, and Lucas Raymond each contributed to Detroit’s goal tally, showcasing their skills throughout the match. Larkin's goal tied him for the league lead with 13 power-play goals alongside Tampa Bay’s Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point.
Meanwhile, it was also notable for Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who played his 1,045th career game, surpassing Roberto Luongo for second place on the NHL's all-time list for games played by goaltenders, trailing only Martin Brodeur. Along with his 27 saves, Fleury’s experience and poise were pivotal to the Wild's success.
On the other hand, the Red Wings’ Andrew Copp reached his 300th career point during the game, marked by his assist on DeBrincat’s goal. Despite the bright spots for Detroit, the players and coaches could be seen sharing their disappointment over the squandered lead and overtime loss.
Hockey analysts have pointed out the need for the Red Wings to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the Anaheim Ducks, just 24 hours after this exhausting game. The missed opportunity to secure two points against the Wild is expected to weigh on the team's morale. Coach McLellan will likely address the need for resilience and focus moving forward, recognizing the potential for this loss to impact their playoff aspirations.
The Wild’s ability to overcome adversity without their star player is certainly commendable, and as they continue to find ways to win, they will look to build on their momentum during the upcoming rematch against the Red Wings next week. For Minnesota fans, this comeback is indicative of their team's strength and depth, promising excitement for the remainder of the season.