Despite yet more class-less acts from the Ducks and horrible officiating, the Minnesota Wild demolished the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 Tuesday at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wild got goals from Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Marian Gaborik, Brian Rolston and Mark Parrish. The Ducks got their lone goal from Chris Pronger on the power play after an absolutely ridiculous roughing call by the referee's, but I will get into that later.
On Minnesota's first goal, Boogaard uses his big body to win a puck battle behind the Anaheim net. He sends a pass to the high slot where Bouchard tries a one-timer. That shot is blocked, but pops right back out to him for another one and this one sails past Bryzgalov and in inciting an eruption from the crowd. We needed that, especially with under 2 minutes to play in the 2nd period.
Finally! The power play strikes!! Pavol Demitra makes a pass from behind the net to Brian Rolston who takes a shot that Bryzgalov gets a pad on, but the puck just lays there and Gaborik and Rolston hammer away until finally the puck is in! 2-1 Wild in a must win game!
Insurance is good! Rolston walks into the zone, drops it to Demitra who slides a pass back to Rolston that just slides off his stick, but turns and fire it at the net and scores from a nearly impossible angle. On a funny note, a fan throws a Duck Decoy onto the ice following the goal.
Mark Parrish finally gets a goal. Petteri Nummelin fires a shot towards the net that Parrish makes an unbelievable tip on for a 4-1 Minnesota lead. Following the goal, Ryan Getzlaf takes a run at Brent Burns and a melee insues. It is Corey Perry, not Getzlaf who ultimately drops the gloves with Burns. Burns holds on until he can finally land a HUGE blow that sends Perry to the ice. One of the best parts of this fights included a "WHOOO!" from Burns as he skated to the box. I love it.
One Man's View
I will try my best not to say something I will regret here, but I may get emotional here. First off lets get to the Wild's 5th goal that was disallowed. Apparently someone was in the crease, but if you can show me a replay that indicates we had a man in the crease I'd love to see it. Absolutely no class shown by the Anaheim Ducks in this game. A lot of chippy stuff happened earlier on in the game, but I will focus in on the 3rd period as to not run this column on. The Burn's incident was just the beginning. The biggest event coming with just under 2 minutes to play in the 3rd. Adam Hall gets tied up with a Duck (not positive of who) and they are about to drop the gloves when Shawn Thorton skates full speed toward the melee and jumps into the fight so It's 2 Ducks against lone Wild player Hall. Everyone on the ice skates towards the players who are tangled up, and Brad May sucker punches Kim Johnsson. Johnsson stays down and is visibily hurt. May receives a match penalty (official definition: The player is ejected from the game and is ordered to the dressing room immediately, and automatically suspended from the league until a hearing is conducted. There are two types of match penalties: a ten minute penalty for deliberate injury to an opponent and a five minute penalty for intent to injure. In each case, 10 minutes is assessed in the player's penalty records. Another player on the offending team serves the penalty for its duration and does not return to the ice until the entire penalty time expires.) and Thorton receives a game misconduct. Can someone please explain to me how you can play a game so great as hockey and show absolutely no class for not only the other team, but the game of hockey as well? The Ducks have shown absolutely no class at all so far this series and they deserved this ass kicking given to them Curtiosy of your Minnesota Wild. The next sweetest thing would be to come back from 3-0 and win the series. But lets not get ahead of ourselves, game 5 Thursday in Anaheim. Game time 9:30pm.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
"We Will Fight to the End"
Regardless of how the rest of the series turns out, you know the Wild will not go down without a fight. Exactly how the anthem states, "We will fight to the end, we will stand and defend our flag flying high and free." Rest assured you will see fight from every Minnesota Wild player from here on out. The Wild will look for their first win of the series tonight beginning at 8pm at the X.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Special Teams costs Wild
As I eluded to in my series preview, I said timely special teams were going to be the key to this series. Anaheim must have been reading, because they got 2 power play goals along with a shorthanded goal to down the Minnesota Wild 3-2. Francois Beauchemin had both Duck power play goals, helping Anaheim go 2-4 on power plays in the game. Ryan Getzlaf added the back breaker, a short handed marker with just over a minute remaining in the 2nd period. Marian Gaborik and Mikko Koivu had the Wild goals.
Niklas Backstrom did what he could, stopping 22 of 25 shots. The Wild outshot the Ducks 32-25, but the Ducks capitalized on opportunities and the Wild didn't. The Wild went 0-6 on the power play and really didn't get anything set up. Beauchemin gets the Ducks on the board with 6:41 remaining in the first on the power play, blasting a slap shot past the screened Backstrom for a 1-0 Anaheim lead. Gaborik ties things up 1-1, 3:33 into the 2nd period taking a pass from, you guessed it, Pavol Demitra and Gaborik beats Bryzgalov top shelf. Beauchemin strikes again, this time, one timing a Getzlaf pass and beating Backstrom yet again on the power play. As mentioned before, the back breaker comes shorthanded, when Getzlaf makes Martin Skoula looks absolutely ridiculous, going right around him and sliding a backhand short side on Backstrom for a 3-1 lead with just over a minute remaining in the 2nd. For the first time all series long, Pierre-Marc Bouchard shows some flash, picking a loose puck up on the side boards, walks in and shoots one right off the post, keeping the defecit 2 with 10 minutes remaining. Mikko Koivu gives the Wild some hope with just under 5 minutes remaining, getting a rebound and just sliding it under the pads of the Anaheim goaltender. The key to this play is Brent Burns who picks up the puck on the side boards, takes the puck behind the net spins around and puts the puck on net and Koivu jams the rebound home. The Wild get one chance the rest of the game, when Gaborik takes the puck off a faceoff and fires a shot at the net that he definately didn't get all of, and Bryzgalov makes the save.
One Man's View
Let's see, where do I begin? Well lets start with more chipiness from the Ducks. Brent Burns and Chris Kunitz get tied up together, Burns loses his helment and Kunitz pulls Burns hair. Are you joking me you? Instead of fighting you pull his hair, good job, pat yourself on the back after you pull up your skirt. Burns gets an absolute fantastic finish to this incident, landing a wicked right on Kunitz's jaw. You had that coming.
Plain and simple right to the point, the Wild have to capitalize on their opportunities or this series will be over in 4 straight. The Ducks are too good and their power play is deadly. As we found out tonight, so is their penalty kill. 0-6 on the power play doesnt cut it.
Lemaire needs to do some lineup adjustments, in my opinion. While Boogaard brings a physical presence, he needs to consider scratching him for Adam Hall. Hall brings offense as well as a big physical forward. Also, Martin Skoula needs to be scratched. I have never and will never like him. He makes too many mistakes in his own zone, and as we saw tonight Getzlaf made him look ridiculous on the short handed goal. For being labeled an "Offensive Defenseman" he doesn't do much offensively. Maybe Petteri Nummelin can get the power play off the ground again. Only downside to Nummelin is he is extremely small and is out-muscled easily, but something needs to change.
The Wild tightened things up defensively tonight and for the most part limited the Duck's chances. They have to stay out of the box and cannot take retalitory penalties.
I'm still very optimistic about the series. I watch these two games and think, "Wow the Wild are not playing good at all," yet they have lost both games by only a goal. Regardless they are still down 2-0 in the series, but the Wild haven't played their best hockey as of yet, and when they do, the Ducks better watch out. Problem is, Game 3 is a must win for the Wild, so they better start playing their best hockey and fast. The Wild coming home can be exactly what the team needs. Get the crowd behind you, gain some momentum, win these 2 games at home then steal one in Anaheim and come back to Minnesota and finish it off. The Wild are capable of winning 4 straight, heck they won 9 straight towards the end of the season. Wouldn't suprise me, but they need to start playing better and together and they will get this done. Sunday 7pm at the X the place is going to be rockin'!! My prediction for the rest of the series is as follows; Minnesota uses the crowd and wins these 2 games at the X, using the momentum steals one in Anaheim, and finishes off the Ducks at home in game 6. It's a stretch, but I've got to be optimistic.
Niklas Backstrom did what he could, stopping 22 of 25 shots. The Wild outshot the Ducks 32-25, but the Ducks capitalized on opportunities and the Wild didn't. The Wild went 0-6 on the power play and really didn't get anything set up. Beauchemin gets the Ducks on the board with 6:41 remaining in the first on the power play, blasting a slap shot past the screened Backstrom for a 1-0 Anaheim lead. Gaborik ties things up 1-1, 3:33 into the 2nd period taking a pass from, you guessed it, Pavol Demitra and Gaborik beats Bryzgalov top shelf. Beauchemin strikes again, this time, one timing a Getzlaf pass and beating Backstrom yet again on the power play. As mentioned before, the back breaker comes shorthanded, when Getzlaf makes Martin Skoula looks absolutely ridiculous, going right around him and sliding a backhand short side on Backstrom for a 3-1 lead with just over a minute remaining in the 2nd. For the first time all series long, Pierre-Marc Bouchard shows some flash, picking a loose puck up on the side boards, walks in and shoots one right off the post, keeping the defecit 2 with 10 minutes remaining. Mikko Koivu gives the Wild some hope with just under 5 minutes remaining, getting a rebound and just sliding it under the pads of the Anaheim goaltender. The key to this play is Brent Burns who picks up the puck on the side boards, takes the puck behind the net spins around and puts the puck on net and Koivu jams the rebound home. The Wild get one chance the rest of the game, when Gaborik takes the puck off a faceoff and fires a shot at the net that he definately didn't get all of, and Bryzgalov makes the save.
One Man's View
Let's see, where do I begin? Well lets start with more chipiness from the Ducks. Brent Burns and Chris Kunitz get tied up together, Burns loses his helment and Kunitz pulls Burns hair. Are you joking me you? Instead of fighting you pull his hair, good job, pat yourself on the back after you pull up your skirt. Burns gets an absolute fantastic finish to this incident, landing a wicked right on Kunitz's jaw. You had that coming.
Plain and simple right to the point, the Wild have to capitalize on their opportunities or this series will be over in 4 straight. The Ducks are too good and their power play is deadly. As we found out tonight, so is their penalty kill. 0-6 on the power play doesnt cut it.
Lemaire needs to do some lineup adjustments, in my opinion. While Boogaard brings a physical presence, he needs to consider scratching him for Adam Hall. Hall brings offense as well as a big physical forward. Also, Martin Skoula needs to be scratched. I have never and will never like him. He makes too many mistakes in his own zone, and as we saw tonight Getzlaf made him look ridiculous on the short handed goal. For being labeled an "Offensive Defenseman" he doesn't do much offensively. Maybe Petteri Nummelin can get the power play off the ground again. Only downside to Nummelin is he is extremely small and is out-muscled easily, but something needs to change.
The Wild tightened things up defensively tonight and for the most part limited the Duck's chances. They have to stay out of the box and cannot take retalitory penalties.
I'm still very optimistic about the series. I watch these two games and think, "Wow the Wild are not playing good at all," yet they have lost both games by only a goal. Regardless they are still down 2-0 in the series, but the Wild haven't played their best hockey as of yet, and when they do, the Ducks better watch out. Problem is, Game 3 is a must win for the Wild, so they better start playing their best hockey and fast. The Wild coming home can be exactly what the team needs. Get the crowd behind you, gain some momentum, win these 2 games at home then steal one in Anaheim and come back to Minnesota and finish it off. The Wild are capable of winning 4 straight, heck they won 9 straight towards the end of the season. Wouldn't suprise me, but they need to start playing better and together and they will get this done. Sunday 7pm at the X the place is going to be rockin'!! My prediction for the rest of the series is as follows; Minnesota uses the crowd and wins these 2 games at the X, using the momentum steals one in Anaheim, and finishes off the Ducks at home in game 6. It's a stretch, but I've got to be optimistic.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Wild Fall 2-1 In Series Opener
In a hard fought game both ways, the Minnesota Wild dropped the series opener of the best of 7, 2-1 in Anaheim. The Wild got phenominal goaltending from Niklas Backstrom, who made 32 saves and kept the Wild in the game, especially in the third when they were outshot 12-6. Each team hit 2 posts.
After a scoreless opening period that featured a great breakaway save by Backstrom on Scott Niedermayer, Minnesota strikes first in the 2nd. Marian Gaborik walks into the zone, drops it to Kurtis Foster, who slides it back to Pavol Demitra who rips a wrist shot top shelf glove side. Demitra, usually calm after scoring, throws his arms up and pumps with excitement. Big first goal. Anaheim answers just under 4 minutes later when Teemu Selanne takes a lob pass from Francois Beauchemin (try saying that 3 times fast) walks in all alone on Backstrom and puts one five hole to tie the game at 1. Wild get a tremendous chance at the end of the period. Gaborik comes out of no where, splits the defense, gets hooked, still gets a shot off that hits the post. The Ducks take a penalty, but it is an absolutely terrible power play by the Wild who can't get anything set up till the final 20 seconds of the period.
In the 3rd, it is the Ducks who dominate, but it's the Wild with the best 2 chances. First, Brian Rolston takes a great tip pass from Mikko Koivu, who drives the net, throws it out front where a Duck defender just gets a stick on. With 7:25 to go, the Wild get an unbelievable chance that glances off the post and is knocked out by Duck netminder Ilya Bryzgalov. Branko Radivojevic feeds the puck from behind the net to Stephane Veilleux in the slot who snaps a shot right past Bryzgalov and off the left post. Just 2 minutes after the hit post by Veilleux, Dustin Penner receives a pass, races in with Kim Johnsson, out muscles him, gets a shot off that Backstrom saves. Penner then shoves Johnsson into Backstrom, and with the puck just sitting there, the Ducks get 3 or 4 good wacks before finally burying it for a 2-1 lead with 5 minutes to play. The Ducks control the biscuit for most of the final minutes to hold on the the victory.
One Man's View
I'm going to start off with some ranting. Ever since I've followed hockey I've had extreme respect for the Niedermayer brothers (Rob and Scott), but tonight I lost respect for both of them. First, Scott takes an absolute vicious slash at Todd White after the two collided. What kind of baby slashes another player because he gets hit? That's bush league and something you typically see when 6th and 7th grades lace up the skates. Guess that's the type of class we're going to be dealing with in this series. Second, brother Rob gets absolutely stapled by Nick Schultz on a clean hit, that Niedermayer and the Anaheim fans are obviously upset about. Rob is still obviously upset with Schultz, when, following a whistle, Rob jaws at Schultz for no reason and the two have to be seperated. Let me ask you guys something; Are we watching a hockey game or Tiddlywinks? Welcome to hockey boys where you will get hit; deal with it. You two acted like 2 year old girls after routine checks. Grow up.
Finally my take on the actual game. This is exaclty the type of game the Wild wanted to come out and play, a close physical game. Although they lost, they got solid play from Backstrom which was a must if the Wild want to win this series. In these first two games, all the pressure I believe is on the higher seed, who gets home ice advantage. The Wild really need to pick it up defensively, especially the D pairing of Nick Schultz and Kim Johnsson who were out for both of the Duck goals. They also allowed many chances that Backstrom came up huge on. The Wild can use the day off, re-focus, and come out in Game 2 and send a message early, possibly get a quick goal and really take it to the Ducks. Game 2 Friday night, I can't wait.
After a scoreless opening period that featured a great breakaway save by Backstrom on Scott Niedermayer, Minnesota strikes first in the 2nd. Marian Gaborik walks into the zone, drops it to Kurtis Foster, who slides it back to Pavol Demitra who rips a wrist shot top shelf glove side. Demitra, usually calm after scoring, throws his arms up and pumps with excitement. Big first goal. Anaheim answers just under 4 minutes later when Teemu Selanne takes a lob pass from Francois Beauchemin (try saying that 3 times fast) walks in all alone on Backstrom and puts one five hole to tie the game at 1. Wild get a tremendous chance at the end of the period. Gaborik comes out of no where, splits the defense, gets hooked, still gets a shot off that hits the post. The Ducks take a penalty, but it is an absolutely terrible power play by the Wild who can't get anything set up till the final 20 seconds of the period.
In the 3rd, it is the Ducks who dominate, but it's the Wild with the best 2 chances. First, Brian Rolston takes a great tip pass from Mikko Koivu, who drives the net, throws it out front where a Duck defender just gets a stick on. With 7:25 to go, the Wild get an unbelievable chance that glances off the post and is knocked out by Duck netminder Ilya Bryzgalov. Branko Radivojevic feeds the puck from behind the net to Stephane Veilleux in the slot who snaps a shot right past Bryzgalov and off the left post. Just 2 minutes after the hit post by Veilleux, Dustin Penner receives a pass, races in with Kim Johnsson, out muscles him, gets a shot off that Backstrom saves. Penner then shoves Johnsson into Backstrom, and with the puck just sitting there, the Ducks get 3 or 4 good wacks before finally burying it for a 2-1 lead with 5 minutes to play. The Ducks control the biscuit for most of the final minutes to hold on the the victory.
One Man's View
I'm going to start off with some ranting. Ever since I've followed hockey I've had extreme respect for the Niedermayer brothers (Rob and Scott), but tonight I lost respect for both of them. First, Scott takes an absolute vicious slash at Todd White after the two collided. What kind of baby slashes another player because he gets hit? That's bush league and something you typically see when 6th and 7th grades lace up the skates. Guess that's the type of class we're going to be dealing with in this series. Second, brother Rob gets absolutely stapled by Nick Schultz on a clean hit, that Niedermayer and the Anaheim fans are obviously upset about. Rob is still obviously upset with Schultz, when, following a whistle, Rob jaws at Schultz for no reason and the two have to be seperated. Let me ask you guys something; Are we watching a hockey game or Tiddlywinks? Welcome to hockey boys where you will get hit; deal with it. You two acted like 2 year old girls after routine checks. Grow up.
Finally my take on the actual game. This is exaclty the type of game the Wild wanted to come out and play, a close physical game. Although they lost, they got solid play from Backstrom which was a must if the Wild want to win this series. In these first two games, all the pressure I believe is on the higher seed, who gets home ice advantage. The Wild really need to pick it up defensively, especially the D pairing of Nick Schultz and Kim Johnsson who were out for both of the Duck goals. They also allowed many chances that Backstrom came up huge on. The Wild can use the day off, re-focus, and come out in Game 2 and send a message early, possibly get a quick goal and really take it to the Ducks. Game 2 Friday night, I can't wait.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Bring on the Ducks!
In an essentially meaningless game Saturday night at the X, the Minnesota Wild defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-1. Four of the five Wild goals were from guys you wouldn't expect. Wyatt Smith (former Golden Gopher) scored his 2nd and 3rd goals of the season, Wez Walz normally known as a defensive forward, scored once, and Branko Radivojevic scored only his 11th on the season. Pierre Marc-Bouchard joined the 20 goal club as well.
Unfortunately because of the Easter holiday I was with my extended family so I missed the game. The fact that their playoff opponent was determined before the outcome of their game Saturday night I really didn't feel a need to try and find a television to watch the game on. I can't give a write up for this game, but check back Tuesday when I will break down the entire series with the Ducks, as well as give my prediction.
Unfortunately because of the Easter holiday I was with my extended family so I missed the game. The fact that their playoff opponent was determined before the outcome of their game Saturday night I really didn't feel a need to try and find a television to watch the game on. I can't give a write up for this game, but check back Tuesday when I will break down the entire series with the Ducks, as well as give my prediction.
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