NHL: Minnesota 5, Washington 3

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Ryan Suter logged the first hat trick of his career Saturday and the Minnesota Wild bested Washington 5-3 despite launching only 11 shots.

Suter's three goals gave him five for the season -- all of which have come in the last four games for Minnesota, which won a second straight following a six-game skid.

Nino Niederreiter and Jason Zucker also scored.

Niklas Backstrom earned the win with 24 saves as the Wild improved to 7-0-0 all-time at home against the Capitals.

Mike Green scored twice for Washington, which stumbled to a fourth straight loss overall.

Marcus Johansson also scored and Braden Holtby stopped just six of the Wild's 11 shots.