Preview of Game 9: Minnesota Wild

The Ducks travel to the state of hockey for the first time this season on thursday to face the Minnesota Wild. Here’s a preview of this matchup:

The Minnesota Wild last played on Saturday in an overtime loss to division rival Vancouver. They played a pretty well in a close game up until the third period started when the ice started to tilt in the Canucks favor. Devin Setoguchi and Kyle Brodziak score Minnesota’s two goals in the game, in the first and second period respectively. Niklas Backstrom has been solid for the Wild all season long and made many big saves late in the game against Vancouver to send it to overtime, but could not stop a blast from Sami Salo in overtime, which not many goalies can stop. They are a similar team to what they were last year when it comes to talent. The offense got a little better with the acquisitions of Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi. Yet, the defense lost its best player in Brent Burns, however they still have their brick wall in net, Backstrom.

Players to Watch:

MIN – F – Dany Heatley: Even though his numbers have dwindled the past few seasons, this guy still has a great shot and must be respected.
MIN – F – Devin Setoguchi: He is one of two players on the Wild squad right now that has a goal and an assist in the Wild’s last two games. Who is the other? For that, please refer to the previous player to watch.
ANA – F – Teemu Selanne: After a slow start, Teemu now has three goals and three assists in the Ducks’ last five games.
ANA – F – Ryan Getzlaf: He has three goals in the last two games. Now, if Perry and Ryan could start something like that then maybe this winless streak will end.

Prediction:

The Ducks played pretty well last night in a game that they needed to play well in order to get at least a point. Tonight, they play a team that cannot match the talent level of the Chicago Blackhawks. If, Jonas Hiller and the rest of the Ducks can play the way they played last night, they should get a dub tonight.

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