Minnesota -- attempting to win the Northwest Division for the first time in the eight-year history of the franchise -- increased its lead to three points over both Vancouver and Calgary.

Brian Rolston scored his 28th goal of the season on the power play in the second period and Branko Radivojevic made it 2-0 early in the third.

Backstrom's bid for a shutout was spoiled 4:20 deep in the third when Sami Salo produced a power-play goal.

The Wild ended a three-game road losing streak.