Parise's PPG gives #mnwild the 2-1 victory over Florida! Minnesota hosts Carolina on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/I7VBiIxoHu
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) February 13, 2015
The Minnesota Wild beat the Florida Panthers 2-1 Thursday night at the Xcel Energy Center.
The victory improved the Wild to 9-1-2 in their last 12 games, and pulled them within two points of a playoff spot.
Mikko Koivu had a pair of assists and Devan Dubnyk stopped 26 shots to lead the Wild to the victory.
As has frequently been the case during Minnesota’s recent hot streak, the Wild took the early lead, as Jason Pominville deflected the puck in off his skate for his 12th goal of the season. Koivu and Ryan Suter assisted.
#mnwild (8-1-2 in past 11) has outscored opponents 14-4 in past 12 1st pds. Past 11–Wild 1st goal: 8 wins. Gave up 1st: 0-1-2. 1st tonight
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) February 13, 2015
Early in the second, the Wild pushed the lead to 2-0 on a power play goal from Zach Parise – his 22nd of the year.
Florida got a goal back when Blaine native and former Gopher Nick Bjugstad scored in the second, but it was all the offense the Panthers could muster.
The Wild hosts the Hurricanes on Saturday night at the Xcel Energy Center.
Scoring Summary
1st period: 4:12 MIN – Jason Pominville (12) Deflected shot – Assist: Mikko Koivu (24), Ryan Suter (27) 1-0 MIN
2nd period: 6:53 MIN – PPG Zach Parise (22) Backhand shot – Assist: Thomas Vanek (23), Koivu (25) 2-0 MIN
2nd period: 9:53 FLA – Nick Bjugstad (19) Wrist shot – Assist: Jussi Jokinen (24), Jimmy Hayes (10) 2-1 MIN
