In Vancouver, Eric Staal, Zach Parise, Matt Cullen, Charlie Coyle, and Marcus Foligno scored for the Minnesota Wild in a 5-2 win over the Canucks.
“I really enjoy this time of year,” Cullen said. “I get excited about what lies in front when the games get big and everything becomes more magnified and more important. That’s why I still play, I do love this time of year.”
The win helped the Wild maintain a three-point clearance over the Dallas Stars and pushed them within six points of the Winnipeg Jets for second place in the Central Division.
“As a group, we are getting excited,” said Cullen, who also had an assist. “We are playing some good hockey and things are coming together at the right time and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Michael Del Zotto and Jussi Jokinen were the goal scorers for the Canucks.
“Everyone has lots to play for here,” Del Zotto said. “Everyone is playing for a job. We have a lot to play for. It’s a tough league to stay in.”
Devan Dubnyk made 30 saves to pick up the win as the Wild improved to 39-22-7.
“Especially on the road, you need to have everybody going and if we can get a good vibe throughout our lineup with guys contributing on the nights we need them, it’s big,” Staal said.
[WATCH: All Wild vs. Canucks highlights]
Anders Nilsson made 31 saves in taking the loss as the Canucks dropped to 25-34-9.
“We can’t find any excuses. Everyone needs to look at themselves in the mirror and think about what everyone can bring to the table. For me, it’s simple, I need to find one or two more saves,” Nilsson said after the game.
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