NHL: Minnesota 3, Carolina 2

ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Minnesota roared back from a two-goal deficit Tuesday, going up 3-2 on Stephane Veilleux's short-handed second-period goal that held up for a win over Carolina.

Cal Clutterbuck got the Wild's first goal and Marian Gaborik got the second. Gaborik also had an assist, while Mikko Koivu set up the first two goals for Minnesota, which had lost eight of its previous 10 games this month.

Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom stopped 35 shots as Minnesota improved to 10-6-2 at home. He made 13 saves in the third period as the Hurricanes tried to tie the game up.

Rod Brind'Amour and Ray Whitney logged a goal and assist each for the Hurricanes. Michael Leighton made 20 saves for Carolina, which had won three of four coming into the game.