The Washington Capitals took care of business behind two goals from Alex Ovechkin and a three-goal first period that proved to be the difference.
The Wild struck first with a goal from Ryan Donato at 3:01. The three goal outburst from the Caps began at 7:21 with a power play goal from Alex Ovechkin. Richard Panik gave the Caps the lead at 10:28 and Ovechkin added his second goal of the night at 10:59.
Kevin Fiala got one back for the Wild on the power play and it was 3-2 Caps after one. The Caps were outshot by the Wild 15-11.