Game 31: Ducks Visit Minnesota

By Michael Walters

Anaheim(12-14-4) at Minnesota(14-12-4)

Pregame Show: DucksNPucks Podcast

TV: 5 PM PT/8 PM ET, Fox Sports West

Radio & Post Game Show: KLAA AM 830

Anaheim Outlook

The Anaheim Ducks are coming off a 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The Ducks battled back and forth with the Jets but came up empty late in the game. Winnipeg converted a power play late in the third period to pull out the win. The Ducks finish the season 1-2-0 against the Jets.

The Ducks are currently on a two-game losing skid, but they have been entertaining to watch lately. Nicolas Deslauriers and Erik Gudbranson dropped the gloves in the contest against Washington. In the last game against the Jets, it was the Captain Ryan Getzlaf getting into the mix as well fighting Nikolaj Ehlers. The Ducks are sticking up for themselves and pushing back regardless of the outcome in each game.

Jakob Silfverberg leads the team with 11 goals.

Roster News:

Nick Ritchie will be out 6 to 10 weeks with a sprained left MCL and has been placed on the IR.

Josh Manson was activated off the IR and will play tonight.

Projected Lineup

Offense:
Devin Shore – Ryan Getzlaf – Troy Terry
Rickard Rakell –   Sam Carrick – Jakob Silfverberg
Max Comtois – Adam Henrique – Ondrej Kase
Nicolas Deslauriers – Derek Grant – Carter Rowney

Defense:
Josh Manson – Hampus Lindholm
Cam Fowler – Erik Gudbranson
Michael Del Zotto – Korbinian Holzer

In Net:
John Gibson 8-12-2, GAA 2.87, SV% .909(Confirmed – Jessi Pierce)

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Minnesota Outlook

The Wild were on a roll having won five games in a row until they played Carolina this past Saturday. During their five-game win streak, they beat New Jersey, Ottawa, Dallas, Florida, and Tampa Bay. The Win outscored their opponents 21-12 in that time span. Minnesota then met up with Carolina and got brought down to reality with a 6-2 loss.

The Wild offense has picked up and they are averaging almost three goals(2.97) per game. Their power play is also just outside the top ten in the league at 19.2% efficiency. One weakness of the Wild has been their penalty kill, which is just 78.6% efficient.

Zach Parise leads the team in scoring with 1s goals.

Roster News:

Mikko Koivu suffered a lower-body injury on 12/3 and is expected to be out 2-3 weeks. He has been placed on the IR.

Projected Lineup 

Offense:
Jason Zucker – Eric Staal – Mats Zuccarello
Zach Parise – Ryan Donato – Kevin Fiala
Jordan Greenway – Joel Eriksson Ek – Luke Kunin
Marcus Foligno – Victor Rask – Ryan Hartman

Defense:
Ryan Suter – Mathew Dumba
Carson Soucy – Jonas Brodin
Brad Hunt – Brennan Menell

In Net
Kaapo Kahkonen 2-0-0, GAA 2.00, SV% .950 (Confirmed – Sarah McLellan)

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December 10th, 2019