The iconography of Minnesota sports is wrapped up in Game 7s, from 10 innings of Jack Morris to Kevin Garnett on the scorer's table and Steve Payne leaping across the ice.
On the brink: Game 7s in Minnesota sports history
May 28, 2021 at 3:44AM
Friday night, the Wild plays the first Game 7 in Minnesota sports since it defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 in overtime of the first round of the 2014 playoffs. Here's the history of Game 7s for Minnesota pro teams:
2014: Wild at Colorado W, 5-4 (OT)
Nino Niederreiter went top shelf on a 2-on-1 rush, capping his two-goal, one-assist star turn in the first-round series.
2004: Timberwolves vs. Sacramento W, 83-80
Garnett got it done with 32 points, 21 rebounds, four steals and five blocks in the franchise's only Game 7. "I've seen him be phenomenal, but in this situation — and with the impact of the game — he's maybe never been better," Flip Saunders said after the Western Conference semifinals clincher.
2003: Wild at Vancouver W, 4-2
First and only trip to the conference finals for the Wild came after a furious rally from a 2-0 deficit, including two goals from Pascal Dupuis. "It's been a special year and tonight was a special feat," said defenseman Willie Mitchell. "I'm kind of speechless."
2003: Wild at Colorado W, 3-2 (OT)
Wild won in OT in Game 6 to force Game 7 in Colorado. Marian Gaborik's goal with 4½ minutes left forced OT again before Andrew Brunette snaked through for the shocking winner in the first-round series.
1992: North Stars at Detroit L, 5-2
The North Stars held a 3-1 series lead before Detroit rallied for three consecutive victories in the opening-round series. The franchise moved to Dallas following the 1992-93 season.
1991: Twins vs. Atlanta W, 1-0 (10 inn.)
Unrivaled tension, twists and turns swirled around Morris' 10-inning World Series masterpiece. "Words can't describe the respect I have for that man," Braves star David Justice said of Morris. "It was probably the greatest World Series ever," said MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent.
1990: North Stars at Chicago L, 5-2
Jeremy Roenick and Wayne Presley combined for four goals (two each) in the second period of a Blackhawks rout, lifting them to the opening-round series victory.
1987: Twins vs. St. Louis W, 4-2
Twins' first World Series championship came as Frank Viola stayed steady through eight innings to give his teammates time to rally from a 2-0 deficit. Fans erupt with joy in downtown. "We're all relieving years of being called losers. We're not losers anymore," said John Traxler of St. Paul.
1984: North Stars vs. St. Louis W, 4-3 (OT)
Steve Payne kept the puck in and sliced through the Blues' defense for a backhand winner and pandemonium at Met Center. "I was wondering what I had to do to get a goal," said Payne, who had seven shots. The Stanley Cup semifinals were next, and the Stars were swept by Edmonton.
1980: North Stars at Montreal W, 3-2
A bouncing puck found its way from Payne to Al MacAdam at the net with just over one minute remaining, shocking the Canadiens in the second-round series.
1972: North Stars at St. Louis L, 2-1 (OT)
Kevin O'Shea's 35-footer stunned the 15,635 at the Met and lifted the Blues in the opening-round series. "I was just trying to throw the puck somewhere near the net," he said.
1968: North Stars at St. Louis L, 2-1 (2OTs)
The North Stars' tremendous inaugural season came to an abrupt end when Ron Schock scored in double overtime — the fourth OT game of the series — to prevent the Stars from advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.
1968: North Stars at L.A. Kings W, 9-4
The North Stars sneaked into the playoffs as the No. 4 seed in their first season. After winning Game 6 in overtime, they erupted for five goals in the second period of a 9-4 trouncing of the Kings.
1965: Twins vs. L.A. Dodgers L, 2-0
Sandy Koufax struck out 10 and allowed only three hits in a complete-game shutout to stymie the Twins in their first World Series appearance. It took 22 years until they reached another one.
1954: Lakers vs. Syracuse W, 87-80
The Lakers won their sixth title in seven years (including one in the NBL) behind Jim Pollard's 21 points. "A man will do anything to get a good rest, won't he?" Pollard said.
1952: Lakers vs. New York W, 82-65
George Mikan had 22 points and 19 rebounds but, as he told the Star Tribune, "We're world champions because every fellow had fight and determination."
Kevon Johnson carried the ball 245 times for 2,143 yards this season, and his 35 rushing touchdowns tied for the most in the state.
