Kuemper, Wild clean up the Leafs
The Minnesota Wild opened 2015 with a 3-1 victory over Toronto on Friday night at Xcel Energy.
It was a big win for the Wild, who needed the two points with Friday night's victory. Darcy Kuemper was outstanding in net for Minnesota as he shut the door for the Wild.
Kuemper made 34 saves in the Wild victory, out-dueling Toronto's Jonathan Bernier, who also made some terrific stops.
It was Kuemper's first home victory since Dec. 3 against Montreal.
The Wild scored the first goal in the second period, on Kyle Brodziak's fifth goal of the season. Brodziak deflected shot from Charlie Coyle. It turned out to be Coyle's 12th helper of the season, while Nino Niederreiter also added his fourth assist.
Toronto tied it up early in the third on Cody Franson's goal.
The Wild bounced back moments later though as Jared Spurgeon fired a shot past Bernier to put the Wild back on top 2-1.
Mikko Koivu then added an insurance goal for Minnesota, when he finished off a no-look pass from Thomas Vanek to put the Wild up two.
The Wild have a short turnaround. They travel to Dallas to meet up with the Stars on Saturday night.
Scoring Summary
2nd period: 10:14 MIN – Kyle Brodziak (5) Deflected shot – Assist: Charlie Coyle (12), Nino Niederreiter (4) 1-0 MIN
3rd period: 2:37 TOR – Cody Franson (6) Slap shot – Assist: Dion Phaneuf (19), James van Riemsdyk (19) 1-1 Tie
3rd period: 7:23 MIN – Jared Spurgeon (4) Slap shot – Assist: Coyle (13), Mikko Koivu (13) 2-1 MIN
3rd period: 9:18 MIN – Koivu (6) Slap shot – Assist: Thomas Vanek (17), Jason Pominville (20) 3-1 MIN
