Sports

Fontaine scores 3 goals, Backstrom stops 39 shots in Wild's 4-1 win over Coyotes

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Minnesota Wild's Justin Fontaine (14) scores against Phoenix Coyotes' Mike Smith, left, as Wild's Matt Cooke (24) looks on during the first period in an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (The Associated Press)

Phoenix Coyotes' Jeff Halpern (14) falls over goalie Mike Smith during the second period in an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (The Associated Press)

Justin Fontaine scored three goals, Niklas Backstrom stopped 39 shots and the Minnesota Wild won their fourth straight game by beating the Phoenix Coyotes 4-1 on Thursday night.

Fontaine scored late in the first period, gave the Wild a two-goal lead on a power play in the third and closed out his first career hat trick with an empty-net goal.

Kyle Brodziak had a goal and an assist, Matt Cook had two assists and Backstrom won his third straight start after allowing 17 goals the previous four.

Mikkel Boedker scored for the Coyotes, who have lost three of four.