Anaheim Ducks Aim to Clip Minnesota Wild's Wings at Home

As the Anaheim Ducks prepare to host the Minnesota Wild, fans are looking forward to what promises to be a gripping encounter. The Ducks, coming off a mixed bag of recent performances, will be eager to assert their dominance on home ice at the Honda Center.

In their last game against the Dallas Stars on March 9th, the Ducks fell short despite a valiant effort. They managed to put two goals past the Stars but were overwhelmed by Dallas' offensive onslaught that resulted in six goals. The powerplay strength that had been a beacon of hope for Anaheim was overshadowed by their inability to contain Dallas' shorthanded plays.

However, it wasn't all gloom for the Ducks as they showed resilience and an ability to adapt during play. Their hits count stood at 23 and they blocked 14 shots, indicating a physical presence that could unsettle any opponent. This physicality will need to be channeled effectively against Minnesota.

The Wild should not take this matchup lightly either; they must remember Anaheim's performance against Ottawa Senators on March 7th where they secured a win with two goals while allowing only one in return. That game showcased Anaheim's defensive capabilities with an impressive 33 hits and 19 blocked shots – numbers that can intimidate any team looking for space on offense.

Minnesota will have its work cut out trying to penetrate this robust defense. They'll need more than just strategy; execution will be key if they want success away from home.

Looking back further into Anaheim's recent history provides even more context for this upcoming clash – their narrow loss against Vancouver Canucks on March 4th saw them score once and concede twice in what was largely an even-strength battle throughout.

What stands out from these past games is not just how close some of these encounters have been but also how pivotal special teams play could prove in determining outcomes. Powerplays and penalty kills might very well decide which way this seesaw tilts come game time.

The scheduled faceoff is set for March 20th at Honda Center with fans able to catch all the action live via ESPN+ or Hulu starting at 7:00 PM local time (PST). This is one you won't want to miss as both teams vie for supremacy in what promises to be another thrilling chapter in their storied rivalry.