Minnesota Wild defeats Phoenix 3-1

The Minnesota Wild scored three times in the third period and defeated the Phoenix Coyotes, 3-1, to remain in the top wild-card position in the Western Conference.

The Phoenix Coyotes could have leapfrogged the Wild with a regulation win and carried a lead into the third period, but Minnesota got two goals from Zach Parise and another by Jared Spurgeon in the final 11:57.

Ilya Bryzgalov made 23 saves in just the third win in the Wild's last nine games. Minnesota now has 87 points, three more than the Coyotes.

Thomas Greiss stopped 27 shots for Phoenix, which is only one point ahead of Dallas for the final playoff spot in the West. The Stars crept up after a 4-2 win in St. Louis.

[SportsNetwork.com]