The Wild were playing some of the best hockey in the NHL going into Tuesday’s Canada clash with Toronto, but the good times came to an end, with the Maple Leafs sending Minnesota to their second regulation loss of the year.
Darcy Kuemper started in net for Minnesota with Josh Harding having picked up his third win in a row just 24 hours earlier, and it didn’t go well, with head coach Mike Yeo pulling Kuemper in the second period after giving up three goals.
Harding replaced him and didn’t give up a goal, but Toronto added an empty-netter, bringing the final to 4-1.
Minnesota outshot Toronto 38-14, but had a number of solid chances in front of the net go begging, with only Jason Pominville being able to find the back of the net, his second goal in two games.
38 shots was a season-high for Minnesota, while the 14 given up tied a franchise record for fewest shots allowed on the road.
James Reimer made 37 saves for Toronto, picking up his second win of the year in three starts, and Toronto improved to 6-1 on the season, sitting atop the Eastern Conference.
Minnesota has 48 hours to recover, as they continue their east coast trip Thursday at 6 p.m. against Tampa Bay.
