The Wild began their lockout-shortened NHL season Saturday night with a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche at the Xcel Energy Center, the Pioneer Press reports.
The Avalanche jumped out to 1-0 lead in the first period, but the Wild countered in the second period with three goals — two by Dany Heatley and another by Mikael Granlund.
Colorado pulled within one in the third period, but the Wild pulled away witha goal by Pierre-Marc Bouchard with 1:35 left.
The lockout didn’t appear to affect attendance at Saturday night’s opener. The team announced on Twitter in the third period that 19,238 people were in attendance at the Xcel Energy Center, making it the 6th largest crowd in the team’s history.
The Minnesota Wild are back on the ice at the X Sunday night to take on the Dallas Stars. Wild coach Mike Yeo told the Pioneer Press goalie Josh Harding will start.
The Associated Press has a preview of the match-up.
