Canucks defeat Wild as Biega scores goal in first NHL game

It was his first NHL game, his first NHL goal – and he made it count.

Alex Biega scored the game-winning goal at 11:54 of the third period and the Vancouver Canucks held on for a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild, the first regulation loss for Minnesota in 11 games.

WATCH: Biega’s goal

The Canucks’ brought up Biega, who was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2006, due to an injury to Chris Tanev.

Minnesota led after the first period thanks to a goal by Nino Niederreiter at 8:55 of the first period, but the Canucks tied it just 42 seconds into the second on a goal by Henrik Sedin.

WATCH: Sedin’s goal to tie the game

Bo Horvat gave the Canucks the lead at 1:33 of the third period, before Biega extended the lead 10 minutes later.

The Wild made it close, with Niederreiter scoring again at 13:35, but Eddie Lack made several of his 19 saves in the final two minutes to preserve the win.

The win moves Vancouver to 32-21-3 on the season, moving them ahead of the San Jose Sharks to third in the Pacific Division. The Wild are now 28-21-7, fifth in the Central.