ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Wild continue to be the hottest team in the NHL after Saturday's 4-1 win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.

Nino Niederreiter gave the Wild a 1-0 lead with his 23rd goal of the season just over three minutes into the game.

Later in the first, center Mikko Koivu extended the lead to 2-0 with his 13th goal of the season.

Los Angeles scored in the second period, but that was the extent of their scoring as Minnesota goalie Devan Dubnyk finished the game with 31 saves.

Niederreiter and Koivu each scored again in the third period to give the Wild a commanding 4-1 lead and eventual win.

With the win, the Wild leapfrog the division rival Chicago Blackhawks for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. If they hold on to the fourth seed, Minnesota would have the home ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Wild (44-25-7, 95 points) will have some time off with their next game coming on Thursday when they host the New York Rangers.

 

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