NHL: Philadelphia 3, Minnesota 1

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Mike Knuble and Scottie Upshall scored third-period goals Thursday to break open a tie game and lift the Philadelphia Flyers to a 3-1 victory over Minnesota.

The Flyers ended a two-game skid and moved two points ahead of the idle New York Rangers into first place in the Atlantic Division.

Martin Biron allowed a first-period goal to Stephane Veilleux, but was perfect the rest of the way, making 23 saves. Biron has won five of his last six starts.

Philadelphia's Scott Hartnell got a wrist shot past Niklas Backstrom to tie the game in the second period and Knuble put the Flyers in front with a power-play goal 5:10 into the third.

Upshall gave the Flyers some insurance seven minutes later.

Backstrom made 18 saves in taking the loss.

The Wild had won their two previous games.