Wild’s Rossi scores first NHL goal, for real this time

TORONTO — In a game where the Minnesota Wild were crushed 7-4 by the Maple Leafs, Marco Rossi managed to achieve a personal milestone by scoring his first NHL goal. Rossi’s initial goal was overturned, but he was determined to make this one count. With a swift motion, he batted a rebound from Marcus Foligno behind Toronto goalie Ilya Samsonov in the second period. Rossi eagerly awaited the faceoff, hoping the goal would stand this time. His wish was granted.

Despite the Wild’s defeat, Rossi’s goal provided a glimmer of hope. It brought the team within one point, trailing 4-3 with half the game remaining. Unfortunately, a strong performance by Toronto in the third period, combined with a costly penalty by the Wild, sealed their loss.

Rossi spoke about his goal, saying, “I just wanted to be at the net front, but the guy was pushing me off. [Foligno] took the shot, and I was ready. It was a lucky bounce, but it feels good to score.”

The fact that Foligno assisted Rossi’s goal was fitting, considering that Foligno was the player responsible for the offside call that nullified Rossi’s previous goal in the season opener. This peculiar trend continued, as Adam Beckman and Brandon Duhaime also had their first NHL goals negated in previous seasons due to challenges.

Despite setbacks, Rossi’s teammates expressed their support for him. Duhaime confidently stated, “He’ll get another one,” and Foligno commended Rossi’s performance, calling him the team’s best forward that night. Rossi has come a long way since last year when he struggled to find his place in the lineup and was eventually sent to the minors.

After spending time in the American Hockey League and training over the summer in the Twin Cities, Rossi returned to the Wild stronger both physically and mentally. The payoff has been evident in his gameplay. Although his first goal didn’t count, he managed to score in two consecutive games.

In the game against the Maple Leafs, Rossi came close to adding another goal in the third period. He displayed relentless determination, battling in front of the net. Overall, he tied with Matt Boldy for the most shots on goal for the Wild.

Foligno praised Rossi’s recent progress, stating, “Just everything he’s doing right now looks like the player he’s meant to be.”