Wild down Avalanche to solidify Central Division lead

(Denver, CO) -- The Minnesota Wild are on a six-game point streak following a 4-2 win over the Avalanche in Colorado.

Marcus Johansson and Sam Steel both lit the lamp in the first period to give the Wild a 2-1 lead. Freddy Gaudreau knocked in a short-handed goal for the Wild in the second, but Lars Eller made it a one-goal game late in the third. Gaudreau then sealed Minnesota's victory with an empty-netter on the penalty kill, his second short-handed score of the night.

Filip Gustavsson made 42 saves in the win. The Wild now lead the Central Division by three points over the Avalanche, who are tied for second place with the Dallas Stars.

Minnesota will visit the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, April 1 with puck drop slated for 9 p.m.