NHL: N.Y. Islanders 2, Minnesota 1

UNIONDALE, N.Y., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Andrew McDonald and Frans Nielsen scored first-period goals Monday and the New York Islanders made the lead hold up for a 2-1 victory over Minnesota.

McDonald scored a power-play goal on a hard shot from the crease, with Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom partially screened, handing the Isles a 1-0 lead 9:05 into the game.

Nielsen struck less than 3 minutes later, tipping in Mark Streit's slapper from the point past Backstrom.

The Islanders' Al Montoya turned aside 20-of-21 shots, including all 10 he saw in the middle frame.

Matt Cullen scored for Minnesota, which managed only two shots on goal in the first period.

Backstrom ended up stopping 12-of-14 shots.