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Wild continue to roll with big win over Canes

Thomas Vanek, Mikael Granlund

Minnesota Wild left wing Thomas Vanek (26), of Austria, and center Mikael Granlund, right, of Finland, celebrate Vanek’s goal against Carolina Hurricanes goalie Anton Khudobin during the first period of an NHL hockey game in St. Paul, Minn., Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

AP

A month ago, the Minnesota Wild were in the midst of a four-game losing streak and eight points back in the Wild Card race. Their season seemed all-but lost when they acquired goaltender Devan Dubnyk from the Arizona Coyotes. He wasn’t the biggest contributor tonight, but there’s no question Minnesota’s turnaround started with that trade and it continued with a 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.

Thomas Vanek put the Wild ahead early with his 11th and 12th goals of the season within the first 8:17 minutes of the contest. Jordan Schroeder found the back of the net at 15:31 of the opening frame to give Minnesota a commanding 3-0 lead.

The Hurricanes’ attempted to rallied back as the game progressed though and it was consequently defenseman Nate Prosser that was credited with the game-winning goal.

That was his fifth career marker in 172 games.

“Usually you won’t find me down there too often,” Prosser said, per the Star Tribune’s Michael Russo. “I saw opportunity. Perfect sauce pass by Vanek.”

Dubnyk turned aside 24 of 27 shots, making this just the second time in his last nine contests that he’s allowed three or more goals. Since he was acquired he has started in every Wild contest and Minnesota has gone 10-1-2. As a result, the Wild have put the pressure on the Calgary Flames in the battle for a Wild Card spot. The two clubs are now tied for points, although that might be a temporary situation as the Flames are playing against Vancouver tonight.

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