Strong start to second period paves way for Wild's shootout win over Blue Jackets

Momentum seemed to change with just one shift.

Winger Zach Parise had a wrap-around that missed.

Center Eric Staal had a look, and then defenseman Matt Dumba had a pair of shots.

Not long after, winger Marcus Foligno drew a penalty and the Wild converted on the ensuing power play – the tying goal that appeared to set the tone in an eventual 3-2 shootout win over the Blue Jackets Tuesday at Nationwide Arena.

"The first 10 minutes of the second period, it was a perfect road game," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "Getting it deep, shooting at the net, going at the net, doing all the simple things."

The start of the period was exactly the burst expected after a layoff like the Wild just had over the weekend with the All-Star break; it jumped on pucks, hustled and was focused on Columbus' goal.

While the Wild wasn't as prepared from puck drop, falling into a one-goal hole in the first two minutes, it found its legs in time. And that turnaround no doubt helped it build a rhythm that culminated in the extra-time victory.

Here's what else to watch for after the Wild's shootout win.

Coyle is well behind the 18-goal pace he had last season, a drop in production after he missed 16 games with a right fibula fracture.

But a shot like the one he employed against the Blue Jackets is an encouraging sign.

"Sometimes they come. Sometimes you're inches away. You can get discouraged, or you can keep fighting back. I just gotta do the right things, play my game. As long as we get two points, that's all that matters.

"But I'm going to keep fighting to keep contributing."

"Normally he tries to make a play there and would be passing," Boudreau said. "He just wound up and shot it."