Game 27: Ducks Tune Up For Nashville

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks(11-11-4) continue their road trip against the Nashville Predators(15-7-3). The Ducks are 0-1-0 against the Predators this season. The game will be on Fox Sports West at 5:00 PM PT and AM 830 on the radio.

Check out our shirt sale! Most shirts are JUST $5! www.TPNHockey.com.

Anaheim Outlook:

Adam Henrique and Joseph Blandisi both made their Anaheim debut last night. Henrique sprung Kevin Roy on a breakaway, which he scored to give the Ducks a short-lived 2-1 lead. Henrique earned an assist as the Ducks lost 4-2. Anaheim did get Ondrej Kase and Brandon Montour back last night. Jakob Silfverberg did sit out and will not play tonight. The Ducks did not have a morning skate today which isn’t surprising given the back-to-back scenario.

Keys To The Game

The Ducks had opportunities to at least earn a point yesterday, but they went 0-for-4 on the power play. They also took too many penalties giving Columbus seven power play chances last night. Anaheim will look for their special teams to do better tonight. The Ducks also need a good start as they got down 3-0 last time these two met and ultimately lost 5-3.

Anaheim’s Projected Lineup:

Offense
Joseph Blandisi – Adam Henrique – Corey Perry
Andrew Cogliano – Chris Wagner – Kevin Roy  Logan Shaw 
Nick Ritchie – Antoine Vermette – Ondrej Kase
Logan Shaw – Derek Grant – Dennis Rasmussen

Defense
Hampus Lindholm – Josh Manson
Cam Fowler – Kevin Bieksa
Francois Beauchemin – Brandon Montour

In Net
Ryan Miller, 2-0-3, GAA 2.06, SV% .935 (Confirmed)

Nashville Outlook:

The Predators are currently in 3rd place in the Central Division. They have gone 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Filip Forsberg leads the team with 13 goals and 26 points. Viktor Arvidsson and Craig Smith both have nine goals.

Keys To The Game

Nashville averages just over three goals a game (3.08) and they have the third best power play at 25.8%. They are also tied for first in face-off winning percentage at 53.0%. The Predators will look to control the puck in this contest and force Anaheim into penalty trouble.

Nashville’s  Projected Lineup:

Offense
Scott Hartnell – Ryan Johansen – Viktor Arvidsson
Filip Forsberg – Colton Sissons – Craig Smith
Kevin Fiala – Calle Jarnkrok – Pontus Aberg
Cody McLeod – Frederick Gaudreau – Austin Watson

Defense
Roman Josi – Mattias Ekholm
Alexei Emelin – P.K. Subban
Matt Irwin – Yannick Weber

In Net
Pekka Rinne 14-4-2, GAA 2.38, SV% .925 (Confirmed)

 

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

December 2nd, 2017

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