STAR TRIBUNE'S THREE STARS

1. Eric Belanger, Wild: Scored two goals and also shined on the penalty kill.

2. Colton Gillies, Wild: First NHL point came on a power-play assist, tying the score 1-1.

3. Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Wild: Two assists make Wild 40-5-1 when he has multiple-point games.

SEASON FIRSTS

First goal allowed: Phil Kessel, 8:03 of first period.

First goal scored: Eric Belanger, 18:32 of first period (power play).

First penalty: Brent Burns, double minor for high-sticking, 3:06 of first period.

First lead: 2-1, 4:01 of second period on goal by Marc-Andre Bergeron.

BY THE NUMBERS

4/4/04 Date of Andrew Brunette's last point before Saturday (one assist) with the Wild. He has 22 points in 22 games against Boston.

599 Career NHL games for Wild defenseman Kim Johnsson.

0 Career points for Marian Gaborik in seven career games against Boston.

BRIAN STENSAAS