Blue Jackets edge Wild, 2-1

Blue Jackets edge Wild, 2-1

COLUMBUS (AP) — Rostislav Klesla celebrated a new four-year contract extension by scoring a goal midway through the third period Saturday night to push the Columbus Blue Jackets past the Minnesota Wild, 2-1 in the season opener for both teams.

Steve Mason, winner of last season’s Calder Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year, finished with 32 saves — several in the final minute when the Wild had a two-man advantage.

R.J. Umberger added a short-handed goal for Columbus, 15-13-4 in the series against the Wild, who came into the league at the same time.

Andrew Brunette scored for Minnesota. Niklas Backstrom had 37 saves.

The loss ruined the NHL head coaching debut of Todd Richards, part of a makeover by the Wild which also brought aboard new general manager Chuck Fletcher. They signed free agents Martin Havlat, Greg Zanon, Peter Sykora and Shane Hnidy to take the team in a new direction.

Before both teams’ ninth season opener, the Blue Jackets announced a contract extension for Klesla, the only player who has been with the club from the beginning. He was Columbus’ first draft pick, taken fourth overall, in the 2000 draft, before the Blue Jackets had ever played a game.

Klesla, whose deal was $11.9 million over four years, hadn’t scored a game-winner since Dec. 29, 2007.