Game Recap: Wild 6, Blues 4

Middleton was injured and blocked a shot 37 seconds into the first period of a 7-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 12 and missed 11 games.

“I’m fine. I’m a little tired. It was a little much, but it’s nice: Get fed to the wolves early and figure it out from there,” Middleton said.

Marc-Andre Fleury saved all 15 shots in relief and Marcus Johansson had a goal and an assist for the Wild (26-11-4), who won their fourth straight game and sixth in their last seven. Filip Gustavsson made 14 saves on 18 shots before being pulled in the second period.

“The players play really hard for each other for the team and play, do whatever it takes to win,” Minnesota coach John Hynes said. “Whether it’s blocking the shot or trying to score a goal or playing a 50-50 shift, whatever it is, guys are committed to playing the right way for each other and we find ways to win.”

Dylan Holloway and Justin Faulk each had two assists for the Blues (19-19-4), who have lost two straight. Jordan Binnington made 20 saves.

“I think we were really good after we went down 2-nothing,” said St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery. “And I thought we were really good until about eight minutes into the second, and then I thought we didn’t have enough grit or as much determination as they did.”

The Wild scored the final four goals of the game after allowing four in a row.

Robert Thomas gave the Blues a 4-2 lead at 4:33 of the second period with a one-timer down low off a Ryan Suter pass.