VIDEO: Anaheim’s Comeback Falls Short

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks squared off with their recent playoff rival the Nashville Predators. John Gibson was in net for Anaheim and Pekka Rinne went for Nashville.

First Period

Nashville scored early as Scott Hartnell directed a puck off his skate and in. Similar looking play to Jakob Silfverberg‘s no goal on Wednesday night, but it still counted with a very brief review by Toronto. Roman Josi would also score in the first period in the final minute to give Nashville a 2-0 lead after the first period. Ducks did outshoot the Predators 12-8 but still didn’t get a goal.

Second Period

Matt Irwin scored early in this period to give Nashville a 3-0 lead. Sami Vatanen was trying to clear out the front of the crease and he accidentally hit Gibson, which distracted him enough to allow the shot to get past him. The Ducks did get on the board when Nick Ritchie found Antoine Vermette alone at the side of the net alone for the easy tap-in goal. Viktor Arvidsson later scored on the power play to give Nashville back it’s three-goal lead at 4-1. The Ducks did get some life at the end of the period as Hampus Lindholm scored on the power play with just 15 seconds to go. Nashville led 4-2 at the break.

Third Period

Just under eight minutes into the final frame, Jakob Silfverberg got the puck by Rinne at the side of the net to pull Anaheim with one. The Ducks fought hard to tie the game and had a few chances. Chris Wagner had a chance at a slam dunk goal at the side of the Nashville net, but he couldn’t quite get the handle on the puck. Anaheim pulled Gibson for the extra attacker and the Predators scored to make it a 5-3 final.

Analysis

The Ducks got down early and by too many goals to rally in this contest. They made a solid effort to rally, but a poor first period doomed them from the start. This isn’t a new problem for Anaheim unfortunately as they have given up the first goal or multiple goals to their opponents several times this season. The “distinct” kicking motion rule made an appearance for the second consecutive night and again the call didn’t go Anaheim’s way. The Ducks did score on the power play and battle back, but it just wasn’t enough on this night.

What’s Next?

The Ducks are back at it again tonight against San Jose at 7:30 PM PT.

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November 4th, 2017

Filed under: Ducks News Tagged: Anaheim Ducks, ducksnpucks, nashville predators