Thursdays' NHL Recap-MN pulse

• Former Minnesota Gopher Kyle Okposo scored his first goal of the season last night in a 3-2 overtime loss to Ottawa. His goal came late in the second period when the Islanders were down 2-0. It was the only shot of the game for Okposo who isn't getting all of the attention for the Islanders this season with this year's number one pick Johnathan Tavares in the lineup. The goal was an amazing move as he faked a shot from the left faceoff circle to give himself some room and moved around the defenseman scoring as he got hit to the ice. Definitely worth a look, so check it out here. Okposo has only played two games. He has a goal and an assist.

• It was former Gopher Thomas Vanek who got the game winning goal as Buffalo beat Phoenix 2-1 at home. It was Vanek's first point of the season. The goal came late in the third period on the power play. Vanek was set up in the low slot and scored on a one-timer on a feed from the corner. Watch goal here

• Grand Rapids native and former Gopher Alex Goligoski notched his third and fourth point of the season including his first goal. His Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Flyers 5-4. Goligoski will likely have some decent goals this year because of his time spent on the power play, but this one is actually sent in by the Flyers Matt Carle. Goligoski was the last Penguin to touch the puck and got credit for the goal. Watch goal here.
  

• Minnesota nativesZach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner played large roles in helping former Wild coach Jaques Lemaire win his first game in his second stint as New Jersey Devils head coach. Parise scored the first goal of the game, added an assist and a shootout goal in the 4-3 shootout victory over Tampa Bay. Parise's regulation goal was the first of the game for both teams and came with the Devils on the power play. He was playing low and banged home his own rebound while falling to his knees. See goal here.

• Finally, Wild fans cringe to see that the Rangers Marian Gaborik's terror through the Eastern Conference has continued as he scored the game tying and game-winning goals in a 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals. Both goals were quick shots on rushes into the Capitals zone. Watch first goal here. Watch second goal here.