The Anaheim Ducks have had a rough start to February. They’re 1-3-1 during the first five games of a tough six-game road trip which ends in Minnesota. John Gibson (21-14-8, 2.36 GAA, .916 SV%) was in goal for the Ducks in four of those games, and he gave up 12 goals with a .898 save percentage. He let in five goals in a 6-4 loss to the East-leading Washington Capitals, the fourth time he’s shipped in five goals this season.
On the bright side for the Ducks, the offense is gaining some positive momentum. Ryan Kesler – the team’s second-leading goalscorer –rediscovered the back of the net against the Caps as he scored his first goal in a month. Ryan Getzlaf also had a big game with a goal and two assists. And in their previous game, they got a 5-2 win over Buffalo, with Corey Perry getting his first multi-goal game of the season.
Despite losing their last two road games against the Wild, including a 5-3 defeat last month, the Ducks actually have a decent record in Minnesota. Prior to their two-game losing skid, they’d won six road games in a row in Minny.
The Minnesota Wild are continuing to run away with the Central Division out West. The Wild won once again last time out as they took care of the Detroit Red Wings, 6-3. They have taken at least a point in 29 of their last 33 games, and have won seven of their last 10.
The Wild have had to overcome some shuffling of personnel around the blue line, although they should have Jared Spurgeon available after the defenseman took a stick to the face and needed stitches against the Wings.
On the offensive end, star winger Zach Parise netted two goals, his first multi-goal game since the second week of the season. That could be the spark Parise needs to get going, and add to an already impressive Wild attack that’s scored five or more goals in four of the last eight games.
Facing the Ducks will always be a big game for Wild boss Bruce Boudreau. He’s already gotten the better of his old team twice this season. Goalie Devan Dubnyk (31-9-3, 1.99 GAA, .933 SV%) will look to make it three wins in three for his coach at home tonight. The Wild goalie has won his last five home starts in a row.
Writer’s Prediction
The Wild (-160) keep rolling as they score a 3-1 home win over the Ducks.
