NHL: Minnesota 5, Buffalo 1

BUFFALO, N.Y., March 10 (UPI) -- Dominic Moore scored twice n the first period Friday night to help Minnesota trounce the Buffalo Sabres, 5-1.

Pavol Demitra, Keith Carney and Todd White also scored goals; Brett Burns had two assists; and net-minder Josh Harding came within about four minutes of recording his second career shutout for the Wild, who have won back-to-back games and moved two points ahead of Calgary into second place in the Northwest Division.

Minnesota has split its last four games.

Michael Ryan scored with 3:59 left in regulation; and Ryan Miller stopped 18 of 22 shots before being pulled in the third period for the Sabres.

In relief, Ty Conklin made eight saves in his Buffalo debut.

The Sabres have lost two in a row for the first time since late January.

Neither team had a power play goal.