SAINT PAUL, Minn.—John Klingberg’s overtime goal gave Dallas a 4-3 come from behind victory at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wild downfall continues with only three points in their last 11 games.
Lehtonen made the save of the night with 11:25 remaining in regulation. After a Ryan Suter slap shot, Nino Niederreiter pounced on the juicy rebound. In what looked to be a wide open short side, the Dallas netminder flashed his glove to make the spectacular game-saving moment.
“Two desperate teams were on the ice tonight and both really wanted to win.” said Lehtonen.
Coming into the game the Stars were known as the speed team, but Minnesota showed they can skate too gaining a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes. Thomas Vanek made a perfect two-line pass to Erik Haula. Three strides later Haula was in alone and scored his fifth goal of the season, 4:48 into the contest. After seeing the Stars tie the game, Justin Fontaine skated into the zone by himself and beat Lehtonen easily past the left pad.
Dallas activated their defense to get on the board when Alex Gologoski took an over the net pass and scored his fourth goal of the season at 9:47 of the opening period. After keeping the puck inside the blue line, he threw a pass behind the Wild net and Tyler Seguin received it and flipped it up high to earn the assist.
The second period was tilted towards to former Minnesota’s team side of the ice. The Stars failed to convert on the carryover power play, but tied the game when Jason Demers beat Darcy Kuemper’s glove at 4:01.
Dallas took the lead for the first time at 10:45 of the middle period on a beautiful one timer from Patrick Eaves. The power play goal was assisted by Seguin who made the pass from the corner right to the stick of his shooter, his 30th helper of the season.
With an early third period power play chance, the Wild cashed in. Mikko Koivu scored for the first time in 17 games. Jason Dumba’s initial shot was saved and laid in the crease. Koivu came 
in and appeared to knock the puck from under Dumba’s glove and into the net. The goal was confirmed after a relatively quick review from the NHL Situation Room in Toronto.
Overtime is an Achilles heal for the Wild as they have now dropped their last eight games that have lasted pasted regulation. Add another mental challenge for a struggling team.
“We have lots of mental struggle right now,” said head coach Mike Yeo. “So what’s one more?”
Dallas continues their “Dad’s Trip” with an important game Thursday in Chicago. The Wild remain at home for a matchup against the league’s best team, Washington on Thursday.
Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_PHN and you can always reach him at adam.minnick@prohockeynews.com
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