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Yeo credits goaltending and depth for Wild’s road success

Devan Dubnyk

Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk blocks a shot during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the St. Louis Blues, Saturday, March 14, 2015, in St. Louis. Minnesota won the game 3-1. (AP Photo/Billy Hurst)

AP

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.

Follow @dcmahiban