Wild defeat Blues in Hynes' debut

(St. Paul, MN) -- The Wild are off to a strong start in the John Hynes era.

The Wild beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1 at Xcel Energy Center in Hynes' first game coaching the team. Joel Eriksson Ek scored early in the first period to give Minnesota a lead, and Freddy Gaudreau put the Wild up for good later in the period after St. Louis tied the game at one. Matt Boldy sealed the victory with a break-away goal with under three minutes left in regulation. Minnesota is still in seventh-place in the Central Division with 16 points and a 6-10-4 record.

The Wild visit Hynes' former team in Nashville on Thursday evening.