Marcus Johansson scored twice and the Wild led from start to finish in a 5-3 victory over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday at Xcel Energy Center, their third straight win.
The Wild (21-21-5) got a goal from Brock Faber 1 minute, 37 seconds into the first period and never looked back. Marcus Foligno scored just over a minute later, and Johansson scored his first goal 6 minutes, 28 seconds into the second period as they built a controlling 3-0 lead.
Anthony Mantha scored 3 minutes, 32 seconds later to get the Capitals (22-17-6) on the board, but third-period goals from Joel Eriksson Ek and Johansson, whose second goal came 13 minutes, 39 seconds into the frame, essentially put the game out of reach for Washington.
Former Wild goaltender Darcy Kuemper stopped 25 of 30 shots for Washington.
The Capitals did get goals late in the period from T.J. Oshie and Anthony Mantha to put themselves within two, but by then it was too little, too late.
Filip Gustavsson stopped 33 of 36 Capitals attempts to earn his 12th win of the season.
The Wild will look to keep their momentum going on Thursday when the Nashville Predators come to St. Paul for a 7 p.m. puck drop.
