Game 17: Minnesota vs Anaheim

By Michael Walters

Minnesota(6-6-0) at Anaheim(6-7-3)

Pregame Show: DucksNPucks Podcast

TV: 7:00 PM PT/10:00 PM ET, Fox Sports West

Radio & Post Game Show: KLAA AM 830

Anaheim Outlook

The Ducks just completed their three game road trip in Las Vegas and San Jose. In the first game against Vegas, they got down 4-1 and rallied to tie the game in the third period. The Golden Knights got a late goal and won 5-4. In the second game, Max Comtois scored the only goal and the Ducks won 1-0.

In the game against the Sharks, the Ducks had a solid start, but then a poor second period. The Ducks got down 3-1 and tried to rally but fell short losing 3-2. Anaheim is currently in 5th place in the West Division with 15 points.

Poor starts, inconsistent play, and scoring have been issues for the Ducks this season. The Ducks average 1.94 goals a game, which ranks last in the league. They give up 2.56 against per game, which is 7th best in the NHL. The power play is only 8.6% efficient, which ranks 29th in the NHL. The penalty kill is ranked 5th in the league at 85.4%.

Max Comtois leads the team in scoring with seven goals.

Team News:

Josh Manson(oblique muscle) and Sonny Milano(upper-body) are both on the IR.

Sonny Milano was reassigned to the Gulls on a conditioning loan. Max Jones and Andy Welinski were reassigned to the Ducks.

Taxi Squad:

David Backes
Kodie Curran
Chase De Leo
Anthony Stolarz

Projected Lineup

Offense:
Adam Henrique – Ryan Getzlaf– Troy Terry
Danton Heinen – Sam Steel – Jakob Silfverberg
Max Comtois  – Isac Lundestrom – Rickard Rakell
Max Jones – Derek Grant – Carter Rowney

Defense:
Hampus Lindholm – Kevin Shattenkirk
Cam Fowler – Jani Hakanpaa
Ben Hutton – Jacob Larsson

In Net:
John Gibson 5-5-3 GAA 2.32, SV% .921 (Confirmed)

Minnesota Outlook

The Minnesota Wild are currently holding down last place in the West Division with a 6-6-0 record. The Wild are on a two-game losing streak after Colorado beating then 2-1 and then getting shutout by Los Angeles 4-0.

The Wild average 2.50 per game, which ranks 25th in the league. They give up 2.83 goals against per game, which is 16th in the NHL. Their power play is ranked last at 6.7% efficiency. The penalty is 85.1% efficient, which is 6th in the NHL.

Joel Eriksson Ek led the team in scoring with five goals.

Projected Lineup

Offense
Zach Parise– Joel Eriksson Ek– Kevin Fiala
Jordan Greenway– Marcus Johansson– Kirill Kaprizov
Marcus Foligno– Nick Bjugstad – Ryan Hartman
Mats Zuccarello– Luke Johnson – Gerald Mayhew

Defense
Ryan Suter – Calen Addison
Dakota Mermis – Mathew Dumba
Matt Bartkowski – Louis Belpedio

Goalie
Kaapo Kahkonen 5-4-0, GAA 2.89, SV% .902 (Unconfirmed)

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February 18th, 2021