The highlights were typical for Kevin Fiala, an overtime game-winner on Saturday in a 4-3 rally against the Blues after he set up the tying goal with a minute left in regulation.
But that wasn't the only impact Fiala made for the Wild.
He helped on the penalty kill and doled out a pair of hits, including a heavy check on St. Louis' Brayden Schenn, an example of how the skilled winger is evolving into much more than just a scorer.
"I hope so," Fiala said. "I want to be more of an all-around player and not just the offensive guy. Playing PK is a big part of it. Even in the end [of games], I want to play. Doesn't matter if you're leading or not leading.
"Of course, I want to be that kind of a key player that can play in all situations."
Like last season, Fiala has emerged as one of the Wild's top producers — at even strength and on the power play.
This year, though, he's gotten more of an opportunity to contribute when the Wild is on the defensive, a role on the penalty kill Fiala has done well at and a responsibility he's grateful to have.
"I've played with him for a while, and he's got a ton of skill and he makes great plays," said Nick Bonino, who previously was with Fiala when both suited up for Nashville. "I was happiest with Kevin's hit [Saturday]. When Kevin is on his game and he's a factor, he's killing penalties a bit and he lays out Schenn — one of their strongest guys. Those are the plays I'm pretty pumped to see."
Smart decision-making with the puck is also key to Fiala's growth. He is showing progress in that area after getting benched last month for turnovers.
Even the game-winning goal Saturday, although crafty, wasn't a dangerous chance to take. Fiala dragged the puck behind his back before finishing a give-and-go with Mats Zuccarello.
"He doesn't beat the guy between his stick and his skates," coach Dean Evason said. "He doesn't beat the guy trying to go through him. The puck still goes around him, difficult for the guy to get a stick on puck. So, that's hopefully Kevin's maturity level going forward."
And these strides are coming with the playoffs right around the corner.
"I'm going to be ready," he said.
Faceoff focused
Bonino continues to line up at wing, but the veteran center is still stepping into the faceoff circle — like he did Saturday, winning two late draws ahead of the game-tying goal when the Wild pulled the goalie for an extra attacker.
"Yeah, that's one of the things I pride myself on are my faceoffs," Bonino said. "Any time you're out there, you want to try to snap them back. The first one [Jared Spurgeon] swept across and helped win that, and Kirill [Kaprizov] tied up his d-man. It's definitely not an individual thing. Those guys are battling for pucks and you have to when it's 6-on-5."
Injury update
Marcus Johansson is "fine," Evason said after Johansson missed Saturday's game with an upper-body injury, but the Wild kept the forward out of the lineup Monday.
"We're going to get him get him some good quality ice and then make a decision when to get him back in," Evason said.
Nick Bjugstad remained in action, his second game since missing almost a month as he recovered from an upper-body injury and then sat as a healthy scratch.
"This is a team that we're so deep and we've got such a strong group, it's next man up," Bjugstad said. "Obviously, you want to play. But as a member of this team, it's just exciting to be a part of this. When my name's called, I try to bring my energy."
