Anaheim(2) - Minnesota(7) Series Preview

Series Schedule
Wed, April 11 9:30 p.m.at Anaheim (KSTC 45)
Fri, April 13 9:30 p.m.at Anaheim (KSTC 45)
Sun, April 15 7:00 p.m.at Minnesota (FSN North)
Tue, April 17 8:00 p.m.at Minnesota (KSTC 45)
*Thu, April 19 9:30 p.m.at Anaheim (FSN North)
*Sat, April 21 TBD at Minnesota (TBD)
*Mon, April 23 9:00 p.m.at Anaheim (KSTC 45)
*if necessary
-- All times Central
-- All Games also shown on TSN

Anaheim Game Breakers
1. Teemu Selanne
2. Scott Niedermayer
3. Andy McDonald

Minnesota Game Breakers
1. Marian Gaborik
2. Brian Rolston
3. Nicklas Backstrom

Series Preview
Arguably the best matchup of the entire first round in the NHL. During the regular season, these two teams met four times and each walked away with a pair of victories. Each of the four games were decided by just one goal and each team managed a total of 10 goals in the series. This series is going to be a defensive struggle, most certainly coming down to the 3rd period or possibly overtime. "We've had some pretty good games against them. It's been a battle; it's been a 60-minute game, sometimes 60-plus minute games. I don't expect anything less in the playoffs," said Mark Parrish.

The Wild enter the playoffs as one of the NHL's hottest teams, riding the solid play of goalie Nicklas Backstrom, who has taken over the NHL lead with a 1.97 goals against average. The Wild are sure to have their hands full with Ducks defensemen Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger, especially when the games are in Anaheim where the Ducks will be able to match them against the Slovakia studs (Gaborik and Demitra).

In the playoffs teams are not able to ride simply one line. To make a successful Stanley cup run, teams must get timely scoring, along with a balance from every line. The Wild are an extremely scary team for that reason. Mark Parrish and Mikko Koivu, each with 19 and 20 goals respectively make up Minnesota's "3rd Line" if that is what you want to call them. Wild coach Jacque Lemaire has shuffled Adam Hall and Branko Radivojevic in with those two. Unfortunately I believe either Hall or Derek Boogaard will be scratched, meaning Hall, who I believe is the best fit for the other 3rd line spot, may get shafted if Lemaire thinks he needs Boogaard in the lineup. Radio is also a good choice for that line, however I think Hall has shown great chemistry since being traded from the Rangers to the Wild with that line.

Special teams will be key. In the playoffs, in comparison to the regular season in past years has shown a drop in the number of penalties called, meaning less chances and more emphasis on making your chances count. The Wild ranked 6th in the NHL on the power play at 19.0 %, while Anaheim tied for the 2nd best power play in the league with 22.4%. Minnesota posted the 2nd best penalty kill in the league at an 86.0% success rate. Anaheim was not far behind, ranking 5th at 85.1%. Both teams have phenominal special teams, and will need timely goals, along with penalty kills, to swing momentum and possibly take over the series.

Probable Goaltenders
Anaheim
Jean-Sebastien Giguere (36-10-8) 2.26 GAA, 91.8 Sv%
Minnesota
Nicklas Backstrom (23-8-6) 1.97 GAA, 92.9 Sv%

Anaheim X-Factor
Ryan Getzlaf
Getzlaf's line will be counted upon to produce with Selanne's line getting special attention. Getzlaf had 25 goals and 33 assists for 58 points this season.

Minnesota X-Factor
Mikko Koivu
Koivu had a solid season with 20 goals, a career high. Special attention will be given to Gaborik's line, as well as Rolston's, leaving the door wide open for Koviu to have a big series.

Prediction
If Minnesota can steal a game in Anaheim, watch out. The Wild are almost unbeatable at home, boasting one of the league's top home records. The Wild played extremely well on the road in the last half of the season as well. I just don't think the Ducks have the depth to compete with the Wild. Their top 2 lines are talented, but what if they are shut down? Where do they turn? The Wild can answer those questions with Koivu and Parrish on their 3rd Line. Wild in 6.