St. Paul, MN (Sports Network) - Martin Erat scored the game-winner just after the midway point of the third period, and Chris Mason stopped 29 shots as the Nashville Predators claimed a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center.

Nick Spaling and David Legwand also tallied for the Predators, who snapped a two-game slide to begin the season.

Once again, Zach Parise netted the lone score for the Wild, but Minnesota's two-game win streak came to a halt. Niklas Backstrom made 23 saves in defeat.

GAME NOTES:

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