Max Shabanov scored on a power play during a three-goal first period as the Minnesota Wild held on to beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 on Monday night behind another strong special teams performance.
Matt Boldy and Danila Yurov also scored early for the Wild, who outshot the Golden Knights 23-11 over the first two periods — including 6-1 while short-handed.
Rasmus Andersson had a goal in the second and William Karlsson scored midway through the third period to bring Vegas within one, but the Wild defense locked in after that. Joel Eriksson Ek added an empty-netter with 1:22 left.
The Wild killed all five penalties against them and are 21 for 22 this season, the best penalty kill rate in the NHL. Their power play also leads the league at 7 for 17.
Jesper Wallstedt, who has played all six games in goal for the Wild, made 21 saves.
Carter Hart stopped 24 shots for the Golden Knights, who fell behind 3-0 in the first period for the second time in three games.
The Wild tied a franchise record with a power-play goal in six consecutive games to start the season when Shabanov’s shot bounced off Hurt’s blocker with Eriksson Ek running interference at the crease.
The Wild, who have played all season without first-pair defenseman Brock Faber due to a skull fracture, lost forward Nico Sturm in the first period when he was hit on the side of the head by teammate Jared Spurgeon’s slap shot. Minnesota also has forward Marcus and Nick Foligno on injured reserve.
Wild rookie Rieger Lorenz, who made his NHL debut in a win at Florida on Saturday, had his first assist on Yurov’s goal and his first fight against Jeremy Lauzon in the third period.
Up next
Golden Knights: at Nashville on Tuesday.
Wild: at Winnipeg on Tuesday.
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LAKERS VS. WARRIORS PRESEASON SHOWDOWN IN LAS VEGAS
The NBA is bringing star power back to Las Vegas! The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors face off Tuesday, October 13, at T-Mobile Arena in a highly anticipated preseason matchup featuring two of the league’s biggest franchises.
With the regular season right around the corner, this exhibition offers fans an opportunity to see how both teams are shaping up for another run at the NBA title. For the Lakers, all eyes will be on superstar Luka Doni as Los Angeles continues to build chemistry with a revamped roster. Doni’s elite scoring, playmaking and ability to control the pace of a game make him one of the league’s biggest attractions.
On the other side, Stephen Curry and the Warriors bring their trademark three-point shooting, championship experience and fast-paced offense to the Las Vegas court. Curry remains one of basketball’s most electrifying performers, and even a preseason appearance can turn into must-see entertainment.
Beyond the star power, the matchup provides both coaching staffs an opportunity to evaluate rotations, test new combinations and prepare their players for the challenges ahead. While preseason wins and losses are secondary, the minutes, chemistry and competitive intensity could offer an early glimpse of what to expect this season.
It’s Lakers versus Warriors, Luka versus Steph, and another opportunity for Las Vegas basketball fans to experience NBA excitement up close at T-Mobile Arena.