Mikael Granlund scores unreal OT goal to win Game 3 for Wild

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov was not going to let the Minnesota Wild win Game 3 of their divisional semifinal series. He was a wall, a force field, a save machine that would make 45 stops in the overtime game and look impenetrable against a stout Wild offensive attack.

The Wild needed a hero.

Mikael Granlund answered the call.

His first playoff goal at 5:08 of overtime defeated the Avalanche, 1-0, and cut their series lead to 2-1 on Monday night:

So much to love in this goal for the Wild.

The way Jason Pominville forces a turnover behind the Avalanche net. The way Zach Parise creates a lane for Granlund by going to the front of the net. Granlund using one hand on his stick to protect the puck from two Avalanche defenders.

He got a little puck luck when he lost the rubber disc by fanning on a pass. Hejda over-skated the play and Granlund getting a clear path to the crease. And oh, that move to avoid the Mark-Andre Cliche poke check, get around Varlamov and tuck it home.

This was postage stamp worthy. But Granlund’s been there before.

What a year for Granlund so far, following a star-making performance in Sochi playing on Teemu Selanne’s wing for bronze-medal winning Finland with this moment of playoff glory – his first Stanley Cup tournament goal and one for the ages for the Wild.

It’s a series again.