Wild now on a roll, beat Blues 5-4

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St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Martin Havlat pulled Minnesota even with 58 seconds to go in regulation and John Madden scored the decisive shootout goal, as the Wild rallied to beat St. Louis, 5-4, at Scottrade Center.

The Blues were whistled for too many men at the 16:58 mark of the third period and Minnesota goaltender Jose Theodore was later called to the bench to create a 6-on-4 advantage.

Moments after the penalty expired, Andrew Brunette dished to Mikko Koivu in the right circle and he fired a shot absorbed by Jaroslav Halak. Havlat crashed the crease and nudged the puck across the goal line.

Then, in the shootout, Madden began the ninth round by whipping a backhander past Halak. Theodore turned away Vladimir Sobotka to secure the extra point for Minnesota in the front end of this home-and-home series.

Cal Clutterbuck had two goals for the Wild, who have won eight of their last 10 games.

David Backes lit the lamp twice for St. Louis, which has dropped six of eight.

"We have to be better in all areas," said Blues head coach Davis Payne.

Theodore stopped 31 shots, while Halak made 23 saves in defeat.

Tags: minnesota sports, proam, hockey, wild