Kevin Fiala setting records and broadening his game in a career year

Kevin Fiala took a break from filling the net with pucks, but the Wild didn't stop churning out goals.

Fiala just changed positions in the production line.

"I try to pass, too, sometimes," he said with a smile.

Whether he's been the playmaker or finisher, the outcome recently has been the same: Fiala has been a factory for goals, helping propel the Wild to one of its most impressive stretches of the season.

After his record-setting, five-assist performance Friday in the 6-3 rout of the Kraken at Xcel Energy Center, Fiala led the NHL in goals (nine), assists (12) and points (21) since April 8 while the Wild went 7-0-2 to post a franchise high in wins (50) and points (107).

This tear has already sealed his best season in the league, and Fiala is on the brink of adding another milestone when the Wild visits Nashville — Fiala's former team — on Sunday.

But a flashy uptick isn't all the 25-year-old winger has accomplished.

"That was my goal, to be an all-around player," Fiala said, "to get more reliable and be more of a team player as well."

Without a doubt, Fiala's scoring surge has already claimed the trademark for this season.

Here's why:

"Very proud and feel honored to maybe break that record," Fiala said of Gaborik's clip. "It's a lot of points."

"I'm really happy for him," Kaprizov said in Russian through an interpreter. "I'm glad his game has taken off, and he's had some really key moments in the last couple games coming through clutch. He's peaking at the right time, so generally really happy for him.

Skill is his calling card, but Fiala is also skating when the Wild isn't desperate for offense.

After occasional looks last season, he's become a go-to penalty killer this season and has been utilized late in the action when the team's trying to preserve a lead.

And Fiala, who is a restricted free agent on an expiring contract after the team signed him to a one-year, $5.1 million deal last offseason, has done well with the responsibility.

Of the 60 goals the Wild has surrendered on the penalty kill, Fiala and linemate Frederick Gaudreau have been on the ice for only five. The two also combined for Fiala's first career shorthanded goal April 14 at Dallas.

"He's so speedy and strong, and he make good reads with his stick, too," Gaudreau said. "So, it's easy to play with him on the penalty kill."

Throughout the season and especially lately, Fiala has provided both for the Wild.