Wild Surge In Win Over Oilers

Posted at: 03/03/2013 10:29 PM

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Mikko Koivu made up for a frustrating stretch without a goal by Minnesota, scoring 9 seconds into the third period to snap a tie and spark the Wild to a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.

The Wild had an astounding 18-0 advantage in shots on goal in the second period, and the Oilers went 23:35 without a shot after Magnus Paajarvi's goal tied the game late in the first period.

Minnesota outshot Edmonton 43-21 for the night, and goalie Niklas Backstrom raised his career record at home against the Oilers to 17-0. The Wild have won 19 of their last 20 games here against their division rivals.

Jared Spurgeon and Charlie Coyle each had a goal and an assist for the Wild. Sam Gagner pulled the Oilers within 3-2 with 7:04 remaining, but Dany Heatley padded the Wild lead on a power play about two minutes later.

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