Wild can’t come back vs Leafs

(St. Paul, MN/Minnesota News Network) — Minnesota winger Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice but the Wild couldn’t close the gap as they fell to the Maple Leafs 4-2 on Sunday night at Grand Casino Arena. The Leafs scored three goals in the second period to build a 2-0 lead but Tarasenko’s 17th and 18th of the season came :23 second apart in the third period to close to within one. Despite outshooting Toronto 17-5 in the period the Wild couldn’t find the equalizer and instead, former Gopher Matthew Knies buried the dagger into an empty net. The Wild went just 1-2-1 on the four game homestand, including three straight losses to finish, and taking just three out of a possible eight points. Jesper Wallstedt suffered the loss on 22 saves. The Wild next have a home and home with the Chicago Blackhawks. Puck drops at 6:30 on Tuesday at the United Center with the rematch coming on Thursday at Grand Casino Arena.