Games Against Wild Could Be Pivotal

This could be a defining moment for the Mighty Ducks.

But, then, there have been a lot of those this season, as the Ducks try to make their case as a playoff contender. They face Minnesota in their next two games, tonight in St. Paul and Monday afternoon at the Arrowhead Pond.

The Wild is tied with Edmonton for fifth in the Western Conference but has labored recently, going 2-4 in the last six games. The Ducks are ninth, eight points back, with an opportunity to cut that to six.

Of course, the Ducks are only eight points out of last place as well. So they can ill afford to waste this opportunity. Even a split would be treading water at best.

“Every game is one we need to win right now,” team captain Paul Kariya said. “It’s scary that you have to think like that halfway through the season, but every game seems to have playoff intensity.”

The Ducks are 3-1-1 in their last five games against Western Conference teams.

The Wild handled the Ducks with ease in a 4-1 victory on New Year’s Eve. Minnesota is one of the teams that the Ducks have a realistic chance to catch.

“We need to show them we’re not going anywhere,” Duck goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere said.

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Kariya has a 12-game goal-less streak, the longest of his career.

He had five shots in a 3-1 loss to Ottawa on Thursday, one on a breakaway.

“I’m getting the opportunities, I just haven’t put one in the net,” he said.

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TONIGHT

at Minnesota, 5 PST, Channel 9

Site -- Xcel Energy Center.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 18-17-7-3, Wild 23-15-7-1.

Record vs. Wild -- 1-1-0-0.

Update -- Marian Gaborik became the first member of the Wild selected to the All-Star game when he was picked Thursday.

-- Chris Foster