ANAHEIM, CALIF. – The power play snapped out of its funk, more players contributed on offense and goaltending has stabilized the entire operation.
After shrugging off the Ducks 3-2 on Wednesday night at Honda Center, the Wild had plenty of reasons to crown its season-opening road trip a success — none more than the number of points it accrued, bringing six out of a possible eight back to Minnesota.
Next up is the Wild's home opener at Xcel Energy Center on Friday against San Jose.
"It's nice to get rewarded and feel good and hopefully carry that momentum forward," coach Dean Evason said.
Nick Bonino lifted the power play out of a 0-for-18 rut with his first goal of the season, Joel Eriksson Ek continued his impressive start by scoring the game-winner and goalie Kaapo Kahkonen racked up 22 saves in his first start of the season.
And with the boost up the standings, the Wild (3-1) continues to jostle with the division leaders in the West — an early snapshot but one that could be difficult to repair if a team falls too far behind in this season's rivalry-based schedule.
"Makes you feel good about your game," Eriksson Ek said.
Tied at 2, and after a timid second period, the Wild had a forceful start to the third.