Senators 3, Wild 0
Mike Hoffman registered his first career two-goal performance and Craig Anderson posted his 28th career shutout as Ottawa remained unbeaten in regulation at home (4-0-2).
Clarke MacArthur also tallied for the Senators, who improved to 2-0-0 on their four-game homestand. Anderson made 16 of his 35 saves in the third period en route to his second blanking of the season.
Niklas Backstrom turned aside 14 shots in just his third start of the campaign for the Wild, who have won just one of their last nine visits to Ottawa. Minnesota was without leading scorer Zach Parise, who is out indefinitely with a concussion.
After a scoreless first period, Ottawa grabbed the lead during a power play early in the second. Captain Erik Karlsson got the puck down low to Bobby Ryan, who dished it from the left side of the crease to MacArthur in the slot for his team-leading seventh goal at 2:23.
Hoffman doubled the advantage 2:24 later, when his shot from the right faceoff circle went off the heel of Backstrom's glove and between the netminder's pads. The 24-year-old completed his huge effort at 2:06 of the third with a one-timer from above the left circle.
GAME NOTEBOOK: MacArthur has recorded five goals in his last five contests. ... The Wild have outshot their opponent in each of their 12 games this season. ... Senators D Chris Phillips missed the contest with a lower-body injury suffered Tuesday against Detroit.