GAME RECAP

STAR TRIBUNE'S THREE STARS

1. Niklas Backstrom, Wild: He made 17 of his season-high 36 saves in the first period, allowing the Wild to settle in. Won his 15th game (tied for second in the NHL).

2. Devin Setoguchi, Wild: 17th career two-goal game and has 11 goals in the past 19 games.

3. Jonas Brodin, Wild: Scoreless, but could have had two third assists if they were tracked. Superb in all three zones.

By the numbers

24 Points, with 22 assists, for Ryan Suter (both rank second among NHL defensemen).

6 Games in point streak for Matt Cullen (19 points in past 23 games).

MICHAEL RUSSO