Marcus Johansson’s Unusual OT Goal Secures Wild’s Victory
In a thrilling overtime matchup, Marcus Johansson scored a notable goal that secured the Minnesota Wild’s victory over the Nashville Predators. The game took place at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, on November 5, 2025. This unusual overtime goal came after a series of controversial moments.
Uncommon Goal Leads to Victory
With just over a minute remaining in overtime, Johansson received a cross-slot pass from Kirill Kaprizov. The Predators’ goaltender, Justus Annunen, had just knocked the goal off its moorings. Despite the unusual circumstances, Johansson scored his goal by putting in his own rebound. Referee Trevor Hanson signaled the goal, leading to a mix of celebration by the Wild and protests from the Predators.
Controversy on the Ice
The situation drew immediate scrutiny, especially from Nashville’s players. The NHL’s situation room ultimately upheld the referee’s decision, affirming that Annunen’s actions caused the net to be displaced. As stated, “video review supported the referees’ call on the ice,” resulting in Johansson being awarded the goal despite the net being off.
- Referee: Trevor Hanson
- NHL Situation Room: Validated the goal
- Final Score: Wild 3, Predators 2
While discussing the incident post-game, Johansson expressed his confusion about whether to celebrate. Predators’ coach Andrew Brunette also weighed in, suggesting that Annunen’s actions were unintentional.
Exciting Game Dynamics
The Wild initially led the game thanks to a power-play goal from Kaprizov. However, Nashville tied the score late in regulation, with a one-timer shot from Steven Stamkos with just 0.3 seconds left, forcing the game into overtime.
Wild’s goaltender, Filip Gustavsson, had a strong performance, stopping 32 of 34 shots. His efforts were central to the Wild’s overall gameplay, which he described as inconsistent yet ultimately successful.
The victory allowed Minnesota to conclude a six-game homestand with a record of 2-2-2, providing them with crucial points in the standings.
Highlighting Special Teams
This season marks a refreshing change for the Wild’s second power-play unit. Unlike previous years, they have already contributed significantly, scoring six of the team’s league-leading 17 power-play goals.
Injury Updates
The Wild also provided updates on injured players. Mats Zuccarello is set to join the upcoming road trip, while Nico Sturm, recovering from back surgery, is aiming for a return by early December.
This remarkable game showcased not only Johansson’s unusual overtime goal but also revealed the drama that unfolds in high-stakes hockey. The Wild’s resilience displayed in this match sets a promising tone for the rest of the season.
