Goligoski, who was honored by the Wild in a pregame ceremony for playing in his 1,000th NHL game on Oct. 20, won it off a pass from Sam Steel, who tied it 1-1 at 17:23 of the third period with a one-timer from the left circle.
"I mean, it's been terrible [not playing], to be honest," said Goligoski, who had been a healthy scratch the past six games. "I mean, I'm not used to that. I'm not used to coming to the rink and not playing. That's why I'm a little emotional right now. Yeah, it [stunk], but you've got to make the most of your opportunities, so that's what I'm trying to do.
"It was a big night. I had so much family and friends in the building. I was emotional with my family even before, so just to end up like that, it was just a crazy, emotional night."