Mikko Koivu Hero in Sundays Game, Backstrom Doesn’t Quit

The Minnesota Wild beat the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday thanks to a third period winning goal by Mikko Koivu. Wild players Mark Parrish and Brian Rolston each scored power play goals in the second period, but the Avalanche answered quickly with a pair of their own that tied the game up. Just when the contest appeared headed to overtime, Mikko Koivu scored a huge goal with 3:04 remaining as he took the puck behind the Colorado goal and then cut to the front and stuffed it underneath Av’s goalie Peter Budaj.Mikko Koivu took a big step forward in 2006-07 for the Minnesota Wild and the club hopes his development continues. The 24-year-old centerman played in all 82 games last season and notched 20 goals and 34 assists. The rising Finn also comes with a pedigree, as his older brother is Canadians captain Saku Koivu. I know this MN Wild Freak is looking forward to seeing more goals by Mikko Koivu.

Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom stopped 29 shots including some amazing dives in third. It still amazes me how he can see the pucks flying at him with so many guys in front of the net. I think we should nickname him Superman – since he clearly has x-ray vision.  Come on Wild fans, support your MN Wild Freak! Derek Boogaard may be "The Boogey Man," but Niklas Backstrom is "Superman."