This is why Mikko Koivu is the captain.

The Minnesota Wild veteran tied up the game at 4-4 with slightly over three minutes left in the third period in Game 5, and then scored the overtime winner to keep his team alive against the Dallas Stars in their first-round series.

It's Koivu's third goal of the series and second game-winner. Game 6 goes Sunday in Saint Paul at 3 p.m. ET.

"We've gotta win the battles," Koivu said ahead of overtime. "It doesn't really change."

The Wild blew leads of 2-0 and 3-2, but will enjoy a pleasant flight home. Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon, and Jason Pominville each finished with two assists.

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