Game 70: Ducks Host Wild

By Michael Walters

Minnesota(34-27-7) at Anaheim(28-32-8)

Pregame Show: DucksNPucks Podcast

TV: 6 PM PT/9 PM ET, Fox Sports West

Radio & Post Game Show: KLAA AM 830

Anaheim Outlook

The Ducks return home and beat the Toronto Maples Leafs 2-1. Anaheim built a 2-0 lead and then had to hang on in the final minutes of the game as Toronto scored once, but couldn’t tie the game.

Anaheim first played Minnesota back in November and lost 4-2. The Ducks had built a 2-0, but the Wild rattled off four straight goals to earn the victory. In the second contest, the Ducks again jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but then were forced to play bonus hockey. Rickard Rakell and Max Comtois scored in the shootout to give Anaheim the 3-2 win. This will be the final meeting this season between these two teams.

Adam Henrique leads the team with 25 goals.

Injury News per Bob Murray:

Josh Manson(upper-body) is expected to play today.

Erik Gudbranson(IR – upper-body) has been cleared to play by the doctors, but he doesn’t appear quite ready to return just yet.

Cam Fowler(lower-body) has been skating and he has a chance to return later this week.

Hampus Lindholm(upper-body) has a sore back and shoulder. It’s unclear when and if he will return this season.

John Gibson strained his groin in the last game against Toronto. It doesn’t appear to be serious, but Ryan Miller will likely start tonight.

Murray provided some more insight into the team yesterday at the Orange Alliance event. Visit for more: Hockey Hot Stove

Roster Moves/Signings:

Brendan Guhle was reassigned to San Diego yesterday.

Isac Lundestrum and Anthony Stolarz were recalled today.

The Ducks did recently sign Bryce Kindopp. For more visit: Kindopp Joins Anaheim

Projected Lineup

Offense:
Sonny Milano – Ryan Getzlaf – Danton Heinen
Rickard Rakell – Adam Henrique – Jakob Silfverberg
Max Jones –  Sam Steel – Kiefer Sherwood
Nicolas Deslauriers – David Backes – Carter Rowney

Defense:
Matt Irwin – Josh Manson
Jacob Larsson – Michael Del Zotto –
Christian Djoos – Jani Hakanpaa

In Net:
Ryan Miller 8-6-3 GAA 3.07, SV% .907(Probable)

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Minnesota Outlook

The Wild are currently in sixth place in the Central Division. Minnesota is 1-1-0 on their California road trip. They beat San Jose 3-2 and then lost to Los Angeles 7-3. They are 15-16-2 on the road this season.

Minnesota averages 3.13 goals per game and also gives up 3.13 goals against per game. Their power play is 20.7% efficient and their penalty kill is 76.7% efficient.

Zach Parise leads the team in scoring with 25 goals.

Projected Lineup 

Offense:
Jordan Greenway – Luke Kunin – Kevin Fiala
Zach Parise – Joel Eriksson Ek – Gerald Mayhew
Marcus Foligno – Alex Galchenyuk – Mats Zuccarello
Ryan Donato – Mikko Koivu – Ryan Hartman

Defense:
Ryan Suter – Jared Spurgeon
Jonas Brodin – Mathew Dumba
Brad Hunt – Greg Pateryn

In Net
Devan Dubnyk  11-15-2, GAA 3.34, SV% .892 (Probable)

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March 8th, 2020