Wild 2, Rangers 1
Zach Parise scored to snap a tie early in the third period as host Minnesota ended a three-game winless skid (0-1-2).
Nino Niederreiter also tallied and Darcy Kuemper turned aside 29 shots for the Wild, who moved five points up on idle Dallas for the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Minnesota native Derek Stepan scored a power-play goal and Cam Talbot finished with 24 saves for the Rangers, who have dropped back-to-back contests to fall into a tie with Columbus for second place in the Metropolitan Division. The Blue Jackets picked up a point in their 4-3 shootout loss to San Jose on Thursday.
The Wild seized a 2-1 lead just 63 seconds into the third period by converting after a spirited flurry in front of the net. Talbot denied a pair of attempts by Jason Pominville and one by Mikael Granlund before Parise deposited the loose puck into the net for his 23rd goal overall - and 10th in the third period.
Minnesota drew first blood 13:08 into the first period as Kyle Brodziak forced a turnover and flipped the puck to Niederreiter, who beat Talbot from in close for his 12th goal. Undaunted after hitting the post, Stepan made good on his second attempt and used Chris Kreider for a screen to forge a tie 3:19 into the second.
GAME NOTEBOOK: With the Minnesota fans receiving a bobblehead in his honor, Parise has collected eight goals and as many assists in his last 12 contests. ... Stepan scored his first career goal in three visits to St. Paul, Minn. ... Kuemper improved to 7-1-1 at home this season.