The Minnesota Wild (4-2-1) and Anaheim (3-1-1) each hope to continue their strong starts when they face off in California on Friday.
The Wild made a statement on Wednesday when it took down the undefeated Chicago Blackhawks in a 3-2 shutout win. Minnesota got goals from Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Cullen and goaltender Niklas Backstrom made 28 saves in relief for Josh Harding. Minnesota has scored 19 goals this season and has conceded 19; both statistics are in the mid-tier of the league. At 4-1-0, the wild has the fourth best home record; the team has yet to win a single game on the road where it is 0-1-1.
Minnesota Leading Scorers
Points: Zach Parise (9)
Goals: Zach Parise (5)
Assists: Mikko Koivu (4)
GAA: Niklas Backstrom (2.40)
SV %: Niklas Backstrom (.910)
Wins: Niklas Backstrom (3)
After opening the season with two tremendous offensive displays, the Ducks have had a tougher time scoring. The team was shutout 5-0 by Vancouver, but followed up that game with a 3-2 shootout win over Nashville. In its most recent game, Anaheim pushed undefeated San Jose to the shootout up lost 3-2. The Ducks have gotten solid production from their top lines, but winger Bobby Ryan only has two points in five games. He could still be discontent about his status on the team (many rumors point to him being traded) and that could be affecting his production.
Anaheim Leading Scorers
Points: Saku Koivu, Daniel Winnick (7)
Goals: Daniel Winnick (5)
Assists: Saku Koivu (6)
GAA: Victor Fasth (1.85)
SV %: Victor Fasth (.905)
Wins: Jonas Hiller (2)
Previous Meetings:
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ANA @ MIN |
ANA, 2 - 1 |
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MIN @ ANA |
MIN, 5 - 3 |
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MIN @ ANA |
MIN, 3 - 2 |
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ANA @ MIN |
ANA, 3 - 2 |
Predictions: Anaheim has yet to prove that they are better than last season. Jonas Hiller has not been great in goal and will need to be a rock if this team is going anywhere. The Wild are far more structured and have looked solid. The win over Chicago should be a major confidence builder; Minnesota wins 3-1.
Start Time: 10 PM EST
TV: FS-North, FS-Wisconsin, FS-West
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