Top 10 Wild games to rewatch during NHL.tv’s “Pause Binge”

NHL.com announced that they will be making available some of their exclusive content that was normally hidden by paywalls and market restrictions, including NHL.tv. The biggest news from what they’re calling their “Pause Binge” — which runs all the way through April — is that hockey fans can watch every single NHL game from the 2019-20 season on NHL.tv.

So, Wild fans, if you’ve missed some of the season’s most entertaining games or memorable moments, now’s your chance to get caught up.

Looking for somewhere to start? Pop some popcorn, and don your script Minnesota green third jersey, because here are 10 great games from the 2019-20 season to relive.

Note: If you’re going back to watch these for the first time, ***Spoiler Alerts*** in the game descriptions.

10. March 8th: Wild at Ducks

Let’s start with where we left off before COVID-19 took over the world of sports and the rest of our lives. This game was back-and-forth, heated at times and looked like it might be another missed opportunity with a wild card spot on the line. But some overtime heroics from Kevin Fiala put the Wild back in a playoff position and Minnesota escaped with a 5-4 win.

9. December 5th: Wild vs Lightning

As discombobulated as Minnesota looked to start the game, goals came fast and furiously against Tampa Bay. Three scores in two minutes, 41 seconds in the first, and Mats Zuccarello scored the game-winner eight seconds after Tampa tied the game as the Wild held on to beat the Lightning 5-4.

8. February 7th: Wild at Stars

An early two-goal deficit is most often a death knell for Minnesota, but not this time, as Joel Eriksson Ek led the Wild with a pair of goals, including the game-winner with under a minute to play, earning the win to help Zach Parise celebrate his 1,000th career game.

7. February 21st: Wild at Oilers

Despite being down at three points during the first 40 minutes, the Wild answered every time, and Jared Spurgeon stole the show with a natural hatty to help Minnesota pull away from Edmonton 5-3.

6. December 19: Wild at Coyotes

Do you like gladiator movies goals, son? Are you not too particular who scores them? Or do you simply love watching goalies made to look foolish? Well then, you’re in luck. The Wild and Coyotes put on an offensive clinic in their 8-5 goalfest back in December, with eight different players scoring a goal each for the Wild.

5. January 18th: Wild vs. Stars

MOAR GOALS. Seven different skaters scored for the Wild, and Alex Stalock shut the door with 27 saves as Minnesota defeated a Dallas team that Stars coach Rick Bowness said “looked like they’d never played together before.”

Oh, and Stalock rips off his helmet to challenge Corey Perry to a fight after being kneed in the head. Marvelous.

4. December 15: Wild at Blackhawks

The only loss on this list, this game featured Eric Staal scoring his 1,000th career point with a beauty of a goal in the first period, and a pair of scores from Kevin Fiala. Alas, the Wild tied the game twice before coughing up the chance at victory. But still, Staal’s big moment is worth a look back.

3. February 4th: Wild vs Blackhawks

If the last loss to the ‘Hawks was tough to watch, this one makes an excellent palette cleanser. Matt Dumba’s overtime winner, breaking a 33-game goalless streak, is worth waiting for. It wasn’t all roses as Minnesota gave up a two-goal lead when Chicago forced overtime late in the third, but Dumba’s well-earned celly makes it all worthwhile.

2. March 3rd: Wild vs Predators

Kevin Fiala. That’s all you need to know.

1. December 1st: Wild vs Dallas

Mikko Koivu celebrated his 1,000th career game in the NHL and as a member of the Wild. And how do you celebrate such a feat? Oh, nothing big... a quiet night with friends, and winning the game in the shootout with your signature move.

What is your favorite game from this year? Did we miss any must-see moments? Leave us a note in the comments below. And enjoy watching back all of the 2019-20 NHL season on NHL.tv for the rest of March and April!