The attendance figures at the Air Canada Centre wasn’t the only record to fall in the Wild’s 2-1 win over the Leafs on Monday night.
Minnesota established a new franchise record for points on the road (44).
It was also the Wild’s franchise-best ninth consecutive road win.
What do the Wild attribute the road success to?
“I wish I had an answer for you,” said coach Mike Yeo following the win. “It starts with goaltending first and foremost and special teams.”
Speaking of goaltending, Devan Dubnyk improved to 23-6-1 to go along with a 1.74 GAA, .937 save percentage and five shutouts since his trade to Minnesota. Dubnyk has allowed two goals or less in 23-of-31 games.
As for the special teams, clinging to a 1-0 lead late in the second period Monday night, the Wild killed of an 18-second 5-on-3 Leafs’ power play – a turning point in Yeo’s mind.
“That penalty kill in the second period was certainly a key moment in the game,” said Yeo. “I think a huge part of it for us has been our depth. We’ve had different contributions from different guys. Tonight, two key goals from our third line (Thomas Vanek and Charlie Coyle). I think that speaks to the depth that we have.”
Minnesota will look for a 10th consecutive road win tonight when they visit the New York Islanders.
The Wild won the only other meeting between the two clubs this season 5-4 on Dec. 9.