Minnesota Wild edge Anaheim Ducks 3-2 to rebound -NHL Match Update
Minnesota faced a disappointing loss just a day earlier against the Los Angeles Kings, 5-2, and headed off to Anaheim with one thing in mind, that was to win no matter what. The Wild rebounded and defeated the Ducks, 3-2, Sunday night, November 13, 2011,
at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, United States.
Anaheim on the other hand is having one of its worst performances in recent years after losing six straight they had won just one against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday but have now lost again.
The Ducks are currently number 14 in the Western Conference, just above the worst team in the National Hockey League (NHL), Columbus Blue Jackets, who have 7 points for the last spot.
The Wild had a plan to secure the matchup early on right after making it on the Anaheim ice as Kyle Brodziak scored his fourth goal of the 2011-2012 NHL regular season and opened the shooting to put Minnesota ahead by one.
Matt Cullen added another for the Wild nearly 10 minutes later for his seventh of the season while Jared Spurgeon potted their third to give the visitors a commanding, 3-0, lead entering the second 20 minute round.
With another two points, Minnesota has taken over the Edmonton Oilers for the third number spot in the Western Conference with 21 points, which certainly puts them in a much better position as compared to the previous season.
They are now under the Dallas Stars by one point and conference leaders, Chicago Blackhawks, by four.
It was Cam Fowler who scored the only goal of the second period for not only his first of the season but also to put Anaheim Ducks on the scoreboard 2:15 in.
There were a number of penalties throughout the second 20 minutes, but both teams failed to capitalise on any single opportunity.
Cam Fowler made a breakaway goal with 49 seconds remaining in the third, but being still down by one, it would have taken a miracle to bring them back up, which obviously did not happen.
The Minnesota Wild have one more road game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday before returning home for six straight. Anaheim plays the next against State rivals, Los Angeles Kings, on Wednesday.
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