Eric Staal scored two goals to lead the Wild over the San Jose Sharks 3-1 Sunday night at Xcel Energy Center.
The win gives Minnesota 90 points on the season, leaping Chicago to regain first place in the Central Division. The Blackhawks, who have played two more games than the Wild, jumped Minnesota for the division lead with their seventh straight win Saturday night.
Staal’s first goal came after a Zach Parise, who returned from the mumps, power-play goal to put the Wild up 2-0 midway through the first. The Sharks cut the lead to one late in the first and Minnesota held that lead before Staal’s second goal came on an empty-netter with just under two minutes to play in the game.
Minnesota’s penalty kill has been perfect since early February. Sunday’s 3-for-3 performance was the 10th straight game without allowing a power-play goal. They have killed 21 straight opposing power plays.
Up next, the Wild take on the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. Chicago doesn’t play again until Thursday.
