Following a scoreless first period, both clubs scored once in the second -- Cal Clutterbuck for Minnesota after just 91 seconds and Washington defenseman Mike Green (power play) at the 5:39 mark.
Brian Pothier and Brooks Laich (empty net) (unassisted) scored third-period goals for the Capitals, who are 4-1-0 without high-scoring forward Alexander Ovechkin.
He might return Saturday from a two-week absence with an upper-body injury when Washington travels to New Jersey.
Net-minder Josh Harding made 38 saves on 40 shots for the Wild, who dropped to 3-6-1 in the teams' all-time series, but lost at Washington for the first time in their last four road games against the Capitals.
On the power play, Washington went 1-for-3 and Minnesota failed to score on its three man-advantage chances.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
Post new comment