Wild Beat Golden Knights 4-2 With Strong Special Teams

Minnesota built an early three-goal lead and relied on its special teams to secure a 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Monday night. Max Shabanov, Matt Boldy and Danila Yurov scored in the first period, while the Wild's penalty kill prevented Vegas from converting any of its five power-play opportunities.

The victory extended Minnesota's strong start on special teams, according to the team's season statistics. The Wild had killed 21 of 22 penalties, the NHL's best rate, while their power play had converted seven of 17 opportunities to lead the league in that category.

Minnesota also controlled the early play, outshooting Vegas 23-11 through the first two periods. The Wild recorded six shots while short-handed in that span, compared with one for the Golden Knights.

Shabanov's first-period power-play goal tied a franchise record, giving Minnesota at least one power-play goal in each of its first six games of the season. His shot bounced off goalie Carter Hart's blocker while Joel Eriksson Ek screened the netminder near the crease.

Boldy and Yurov also scored during the opening period, putting Minnesota ahead 3-0. Vegas faced the same three-goal first-period deficit for the second time in three games, according to the game report.

The Golden Knights attempted to recover in the second half of the game. Rasmus Andersson scored in the second period before William Karlsson cut Minnesota's lead to 3-2 midway through the third.

The Wild defense held firm after Karlsson's goal, preventing Vegas from completing the comeback. Eriksson Ek sealed the result with an empty-net goal with 1:22 remaining.

Minnesota goalie Jesper Wallstedt made 21 saves, while Hart stopped 24 shots for Vegas. Wallstedt had started all six of the Wild's games this season.

Minnesota's roster also faced injury concerns. The Wild had played the entire season without first-pair defenseman Brock Faber, who was sidelined by a skull fracture, and forwards Marcus Foligno and Nick Foligno were on injured reserve.

Forward Nico Sturm left Monday's game in the first period after being struck on the side of the head by a slap shot from teammate Jared Spurgeon.

Rookie Rieger Lorenz recorded his first NHL assist on Yurov's goal after making his league debut in Minnesota's win at Florida on Saturday. Lorenz also fought Jeremy Lauzon during the third period.

The Golden Knights are scheduled to visit Nashville on Tuesday, while Minnesota is set to travel to Winnipeg for its next game the same day.