Scouting the Enemy: Anaheim Ducks vs. Minnesota Wild

October 17, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) defends the goal as defenseman Francois Beauchemin (23) and defenseman Ben Lovejoy (6) help defend against Minnesota Wild left wing Zach Parise (11) during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2. The Wild are second in the league in shots on goal per game (33.2), but they are 20^th in shooting percentage (8.29%) and 12^th in goals per game (2.75). The power-play has converted just seven of 78 opportunities for an abysmal 8.97%, which is the second worst rate in the NHL. They have scored two goals or fewer in 12 of their 24 games this season and are just 3-8-1 in those games. With the belief that the Wild continue to generate shots on net at this rate, should the Wild expect a bump in their goal-scoring?

Dustin: Not everyone would agree with me, but I’d say that it’ll rise. To my mind (and from their possession numbers, where they are first in Fenwick close) they’re going to start getting things going their way more often. The power play has been a source of frustration. They had a five-minute PP last game against the Montreal Canadiens and didn’t get a shot. Though, that’s maybe not indicative of how it’s gone for them: lots of shots and no goals has been the MO. But that’s a huge step forward for the Wild. Not scoring a ton of goals isn’t new, but the number of shots they’re getting is. This has always been a pass-first team, and they’re starting to shoot the puck a lot more. It’ll come around. Their puck possession game has been great.