NHL: Vancouver 4, Minnesota 1

ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Cory Schneider, making his first start in 11 days, carried a shutout into the third period Thursday and boosted Vancouver to a 4-1 decision over Minnesota.

The Canucks built a 4-0 lead and extended their winning streak to four games.

Daniel Sedin and Chris Higgins produced first-period goals, followed by scores from Mason Raymond and Jannik Hansen in the second.

Schneider had not been given a start since he suffered a 4-1 loss at the hands of San Jose on Jan. 27. Roberto Luongo has been in goal since then.

Tom Gilbert ruined Schneider's shutout bid 7:25 into the third with a power-play goal.

Niklas Backstrom let in four goals on 16 shots in what was the Wild's second home loss of the season.