Minnesota Wild at Nashville Predators

Connor Dewar has 3 goals and an assist to Wild rout Predators 6-1

Prior to Thursday, Dewar had never had more than a goal and two points in an NHL game. He appeared to score a fourth goal with just over four minutes remaining, but it was taken away after the Predators challenged the play as offside.

“It will haunt me forever,” Dewar said with a laugh. “I find this league is kind of a streaky league. When you get confident, you get hot. Hopefully, I get on a roll here.”

Kirill Kaprizov had a goal and an assist, and Jake Middleton and Pat Maroon also scored for the Wild. They have won both games under new coach John Hynes.

Hynes replaced Dean Evason behind the bench this week. Hynes served as Nashville’s coach for parts of four seasons before being relieved of his duties this past offseason by new general manager Barry Trotz. Andrew Brunette replaced Hynes in Nashville.

The Predators played a tribute video of Hynes’ tenure during a first-period break.

“I did talk with Barry before and the Preds' organization is a classy group,” Hynes said. “Just thankful the way they treated my family on the way back and the tribute was very nice.”

Juuso Parssinen scored for Nashville.

Minnesota scored three times in the first period.

Dewar opened the scoring at 6:08 and Middleton followed with 5:59 left with a backhander from the lower part of the left circle that beat Saros high to the far side.

Nashville challenged Middleton goal, contending the play was offside. Kaprizov scored on the ensuing delay of game penalty assessed on the Predators for the failed challenge, making it 3-0 with 5:28 left.

“We just dug ourselves a hole,” Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly said. “We were on our heels from there. Just not the performance we need. That’s not us. It’s disappointing. ”

Maroon scored at 1:43 of the second on a deflection, ending Saros’ night early. He was replaced by Kevin Lankinen. Saros finished with 11 saves on 15 shots. Lankinen made 14 saves.

“That was a huge win for (Hynes), he wanted that win,” Maroon said. “There’s nothing better when you play your old team and get to beat them. I’m sure he’s stoked right now.”

Dewar struck again at with 8:48 left in the second.

Parssinen spoiled Gustavsson’s shutout bid at 2:37 of the third, when he redirected Ryan McDonagh’s shot.

Dewar completed the hat trick 9:47 of the third from just outside the crease. The goal deflected in off of his back skate. A brief video review determined the puck was not kicked in and the goal was allowed to stand.

UP NEXT

Wild: Host Chicago on Sunday.

Predators: Host the New York Rangers on Saturday.

MIN leads series 1-0