Preview: Wild @ Ducks

Tonight Minnesota is in Anaheim finishing a three game road trip with the Ducks. After squeaking away a point on Friday against the Kings, Minnesota looks to end their road trip back in the win column. Its no secret the Ducks have had their way with the Wild. Minnesota lost all three meetings last year, while also losing nine of their last ten to Anaheim. But the Ducks haven't had the same success that we've been used to seeing this season. They are currently winless and have scored just one goal through four games. Yeah. This is the same team that had the best record in the West the past two seasons and were a win from going to the Stanley Cup in May. These two teams will also meet up two weeks from now at the Xcel Energy Center, so take some notes.

Its the same lineup for the Wild tonight, the only change is Devan Dubnyk who is back in net. Dubnyk is 3-4-1 with a 2.44 GAA and a .919 SV% against Anaheim. Zach Parise who's been scratching across points left and right this season, has 13 points (7-6=13) in 15 career games against the Ducks. He's currently tied for first in the league in goals (5) and power play goals (3) this year. Slowing down Anaheim's top line is a priority as Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry have 32 points each, in 35 career games against the Wild. Yeo told reporters that he wants to see more from the 4th line tonight, especially Erik Haula who is still trying to establish a consistent identity.

For some milestones tonight, Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin are set to play in their 300th and 200th NHL game respectively. Old friends alert, Clayton Stoner & Chris Stewart are with the Ducks. Stoner is in his second season and Stewart signed there this off-season. My favorite part about seeing these guys is that we get to hear LaPanta say "Stoner, takes a hit in the corner" ohhh the memories. Puck drop is at 7pm tonight with the gamethread opening around 6:45.