GLENDALE, Ariz., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Justin Fontaine completed a hat trick during Minnesota's strong third period Thursday to give the Wild a 4-1 win over Phoenix.
It was a 1-1 game heading into the closing period, but Minnesota won its fourth in a row by scoring three times on 13 shots in the final 20 minutes. The Wild's four straight victories have come after they had lost eight out of 10.
Kyle Brodziak scored the go-ahead goal 3:21 into the third and Fontaine produced a power-play tally 4:35 later to give Minnesota some insurance.
Fontaine, who also scored in the first period, added an empty-net goal with 1:12 to play.
Niklas Backstrom earned the win with 39 saves, the most shots he has stopped all season. Mike Smith gave up three goals on 27 shots in defeat.
