Can the Anaheim Ducks Keep the Momentum Going in Minnesota?

The Anaheim Ducks have taken significant steps forward since Bob Murray took over the duties as head coach. Can they keep the momentum going tonight against the Minnesota Wild?

For the final time this season, the Anaheim Ducks are going head to head with the Minnesota Wild. Under the leadership of coach Bruce Boudreau, the Wild are currently holding onto the last Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, but barely. Boudreau is under the impression that his team will make it to the playoffs for the seventh season in a row. How long they stay there if they make it, that remains to be seen.

With the possibility of a playoff berth before them, the Minnesota Wild aren’t going to make things easy for the Anaheim Ducks tonight. Bob Murray‘s coaching skills have yet to be put to the test on the road; tonight’s game could prove to be challenging for the new bench boss. However, as a surprise to many, the Anaheim Ducks seem to be a changed team under his direction.

While it may be slightly premature to get excited about the team winning two of their last three games, there has been a noticeable difference in the way they carry themselves on the ice and play the game. Having a new voice in the locker room has seemed to reignite the spark that has been missing from the Anaheim Ducks for a majority of the season.

It’s Game Time: Anaheim Ducks vs Minnesota Wild

Game 60: Anaheim Ducks vs Minnesota Wild

Season Record: 23-27-9

Location: Xcel Energy Center — St. Paul, Minnesota

Time: 5:00 pm PST

TV: Prime Ticket

Radio: AM 830

Anaheim Ducks News: The trade deadline is on Monday, February 25th. Several scouts from opposing teams have been spotted at the recent Anaheim Ducks home games.

Anaheim Ducks Injuries: John Gibson (Back), Chad Johnson (Head), Ondrej Kase (Shoulder)

Minnesota Wild Injuries: Pontus Aberg (LBI), Mathew Dumba (Pectoral), Matt Hendricks (UBI), Mikko Koivu (Knee), Victor Rask (LBI)

Can the Anaheim Ducks Keep the Momentum Going?

As previously mentioned, Bob Murray’s coaching skills haven’t been put to the test on the road yet. The Anaheim Ducks can take one of two roads tonight. They can either go back to their tanking ways or continue building off their last three games.

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Being away from the familiarity of home ice could prove to be a challenge for them, as they haven’t had the best luck winning on the road, or in general, as of late. With the return of Ryan Miller, and Kevin Boyle backing him up, the Anaheim Ducks now have two solid option to start in net. That is a great foundation to build upon.

There has been more structure on the blueline as well, which goes a long way in aiding whoever is in net. Josh Manson and Hampus Lindholm have been reunited, a pairing that should not have been spit up in the first place. Brandon Montour is now a part of the third pairing with Jaycob Megna, which, although reduces his ice time, allows him a little more room to be creative with the puck.

Cam Fowler and Michael Del Zotto have not been Ducks Nation’s favorite defensive pairing, and we’re all waiting for Bob Murry to try out Fowler with Montour again, but the pair has been okay. That is most certainly a huge step up from being absolutely atrocious.

Adding youth to the line up in the form of Troy Terry and Max Jones has done wonder for the offensive. Together, the two have inspired their teammates and they have proven that when they are called upon next season, they are ready to make the full time jump into the NHL.

Corey Perry has seemed to find his groove, finally scoring his first game of the season. Adam Henrique, despite his production suffering during the slump, has awoken and become an offensive weapon for the Anaheim Ducks. Even better news, the veterans finally seem as though they’ve awoken from their slumber and is ready to lead this team.

If the Anaheim Ducks can keep this momentum going on the road, they should have no issues walking away with a majority of the points. However, if they do win, this significantlly hurts their chances at winning the Jack Hughes lottery during the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

What says you Ducks Nation? Tonight is going to be an interesting game. Are you rooting for a win or are you still aboard the tank train? Let us know by leaving a comment down below!

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