Mikko Koivu on Wild's challenge: 'We've got to keep building this thing'

What's the fastest way to make two adult beverages disappear during the NHL playoffs? Hint: It has nothing to do with chugging.

Wild captain Mikko Koivu emptied them much more quickly Monday night. Before his power-play score in the third period — which gave his team a 4-2 lead over Dallas in Game 3 — two full cups sat on the ledge above the boards at Xcel Energy Center, behind the Stars' net. After the goal, Koivu launched himself into the glass to celebrate — and when he skated away, the drinks had vanished.

Koivu said Tuesday he owed those fans a couple of beers to replace the ones he dumped onto the floor with his exultant leap. The center considered that a small price to pay for his first goal of the series. After interim coach John Torchetti challenged the Wild's leaders to be more visible in Game 3, Koivu did his part by scoring the game-winner that made the beer disappear, a bit of magic he hopes to repeat in Wednesday's Game 4.

"It was pure joy and excitement," Koivu said of his reaction to his first game-winning goal in 42 career playoff games. "Last night was the biggest game of the year so far. And so is [Wednesday] night's game.

Watch Koivu's goal and beer-spilling leap

"We've got to keep building this thing and get our confidence as high as we can, and then go from there. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but we're going in the right direction. I thought the team effort was great. And that's something we can build on."

Only a few Wild players practiced Tuesday. Most, including Koivu, chose to rest and recharge for a Game 4 they expect will require an even greater effort.

In the Wild's two series-opening losses in Dallas, Koivu failed to score on four shots as his team produced only one goal. Torchetti said Sunday that "our leaders have to be better leaders moving forward," and at Monday's morning skate, he outlined his high expectations for Koivu and others who man the Wild's rudder. The captain, who had only two goals in his previous 30 playoff games, came through in Game 3.

Torchetti liked Koivu's play in Game 2 despite the loss. Koivu and linemates Mikael Granlund and David Jones stepped up with a strong all-around effort Monday, including solid defensive play that was critical to the victory. Torchetti made an adjustment during the game, using that trio to defend Dallas's top line of Jamie Benn, Cody Eakin and Patrick Sharp in the final two periods.

They quieted that powerful threesome as the Wild rallied. In addition, Granlund drew the penalty that led to Koivu's goal, and Koivu scored by going to the net and snapping up a rebound.

"Mikko's our leader," said Torchetti, who praised Koivu on Tuesday for doing "a great job" at both ends of the ice. "We have to count on our leaders. We have to keep upping our game as the games go on. We can't just stay at the same level; you can't have a ceiling to your game.

"He showed up big. And I'm sure he'll show up big again."

Torchetti noted Tuesday that he wants to see leadership throughout the Wild's lineup, not only from those who wear letters on their jerseys. Koivu, too, said everyone must continue to gain steam for the Wild to have a shot at evening the series Wednesday.

Unlike those drinks on the ledge, Koivu doesn't intend to fall off.

"We want to carry that momentum into [Wednesday] night's game," he said. "You can't get too low, and you can't get too high.

"[Monday's victory] gives us confidence going forward. But at the same time, there are a lot of things we need to do better. There are always things that can improve. That's what we need to do."