ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Joel Eriksson Ek scored with 24 seconds remaining and the Minnesota Wild recovered to defeat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 at Grand Casino Arena on Saturday. Marcus Johansson sent a cross-ice feed to Eriksson Ek outside the right circle who sent a one-timer past Leevi Merilainen.

The Senators hope to build on their victory over Columbus on Thursday and take advantage of a Wild team in sudden transition from a blockbuster trade.

The Wild nearly needed all 60 minutes on Saturday, but a late goal from Joel Eriksson Ek was just enough to squeak past the Senators 3-2. Minnesota took the ice on Saturday afternoon for the first time since acquiring superstar Quinn Hughes in a blockbuster trade on Friday night.

Marat Khusnutdinov is back in Minnesota for the first time since getting traded to Boston in March. The 23-year-old forward was a second-round pick for the Wild in the 2020 NHL Draft, and he played a cumulative 73 games for the team over two seasons.

Kaprizov, soon to be the league’s highest-paid player, has often been considered the Wild’s “engine” by teammates. And that’s still the case on many occasions. Kaprizov was dynamic again on Thursday, including setting up Boldy’s empty-netter. He’s a true superstar. However, it sure feels like Boldy is playing like an engine, too.

Marcus Johansson scored twice, Matt Boldy had a goal and two assists, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Dallas Stars 5-2.

The Wild have become one of the toughest teams to play against, gaining points and climbing up the standings. The Wild have earned 30 standings points since Nov. 1, a number topped only by the Avalanche and Stars, each of whom has earned 33. Amazingly, each of the three teams sit in the loaded Central Division.

"We all play hockey, and we know it might happen. But I'm really happy for everything Minnesota has done for me," Rossi said.