The best rookie in the NHL wasn't the best rookie at Xcel Energy Center on Sunday afternoon.
Or even the second-best.
Wild freshmen Marco Rossi and Brock Faber upstaged Blackhawks 18-year-old phenom Connor Bedard, the duo dominating a first period that set up another decisive performance for the rolling Wild. Their 4-1 blitz of Chicago on the brink of a crucial week signaled three consecutive victories for the first time this season.
"They've been great all year for us," goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury said of his younger teammates. "Fun to watch."
Rossi scored twice and Faber assisted on both goals, but this result wasn't just the handiwork of the Wild's two youngest players; two of their oldest were also key.
Mats Zuccarello's game-high three points extended the 36-year-old's scoring streak to nine games, while 39-year-old Fleury notched 28 saves in his first start in two weeks and first win in almost a month.
At 548 career victories, Fleury is four away from passing Patrick Roy for the second-most all-time.
"Good to contribute," said Fleury, whose airtight start opened the door for the Wild to run away from Chicago.