VIDEO: Ducks Fall Flat in Nashville

Photo: AP/Mark Humphrey

By: Stephanie Mazzuca

The Anaheim Ducks began their 5-game road trip tonight at Bridgestone Arena against the Nashville Predators. John Gibson was in net against Pekka Rinne.

1st Period

The game began with a high frequency of shots attempted by both teams. 5 minutes into the first period, Ryan Johansen (4-17-21) received a minor penalty for hooking and the Ducks were on the power play. Nashville’s penalty-kill squad was able to keep their zone relatively clear by allowing only 1 shot on goal from Anaheim. A few minutes later, Craig Smith (5-5-10) high-sticked Adam Henrique (5-6-11) and received a minor penalty, but the Ducks were unable to convert on their second power play. Anaheim’s lack of offensive pressure during the man-advantages was mostly attributed to slow zone entries from their forwards.

The Predator’s forward Austin Watson (1-2-3) then picked up a rebound and found the back of the net, assisted by Nick Bonino (3-6-9) and Colton Sissons (4-4-8). This brought the score to 1-0 in favor of Nashville. The Predators’ momentum continued as Jakob Silfverberg (5-6-11) went to the penalty box to serve a high-sticking minor. Anaheim’s top goaltender, John Gibson (.928 sv%), prevented another power play goal and ended the period. The Predators generated 13 shots on goal, while the Ducks trailed with 8 shots on goal.

2nd Period

Shortly after the second period began, Matt Irwin (0-1-1) received a tripping minor penalty which allowed Adam Henrique (5-6-11) to score on the power play. Both teams played with more physical intensity this period. After 6 minutes of play, a turnover from Rickard Rakell (4-11-15) leads to a goal by Nick Bonino (3-6-9) and a score of 1-2. Matt Irwin (0-1-1) later skated knee-first into Kalle Kossila (1-0-1) who had to be helped into Anaheim’s locker room. There was no penalty called on the play. Soon afterward, a collection of penalties ensued: Adam Henrique (5-6-11) received a minor hooking call when Filip Forsberg (14-6-20) grabbed his stick and fell, and Forsberg received his own penalty for grabbing the stick. 4-on-4 hockey moved to 4-on-3 hockey as Ducks’ captain Ryan Getzlaf (6-11-17) was called for hooking.

As the previous penalties expired, the 5-on-4 play turned to 5-on-3 after Kalle Kossila (1-0-1) receives a soft tripping penalty. The Ducks showed their frustration when a post-whistle scuffle led to Brandon Montour (2-9-11) throwing Nick Bonino (3-6-9) to the ice. Both players received roughing penalties. Though each team received several power play opportunities in this succession, neither was able to convert. Ducks defenseman Josh Manson (1-3-4) retaliates on a cross-check from Ryan Hartman (6-4-10) by dropping his gloves, Hartman faked dropping his own gloves, and Manson was sent straight to the Anaheim locker room following the skirmish. Manson received a double-minor penalty for roughing and Hartman received his own penalty. Soon afterward, Austin Watson (1-2-3) made a power play goal and brought the Predators to a score of 3-1. The Ducks answered as Ondrej Kase (2-0-2) scored in the final seconds of the period. The second period ended in a score of 2-3 and 13-28 shots on goal, all in favor of Nashville.

3rd Period

The third period began with a tripping call against Kalle Kossila (1-0-1) and yet another power play for the Predators. 5 seconds into the advantage, Craig Smith (5-5-10) scored and increased Nashville’s lead to 4-2. Matt Irwin (0-1-1) then high-sticked Ryan Getzlaf (6-11-17) and the Ducks received another power play in which they were unable to generate offensive chances. The Predators added another minor penalty to their roster when Yannick Weber (2-2-4) was called for hooking. Again, Anaheim was unable to convert. With 1:45 remaining in the third period, Ducks goaltender John Gibson skated to the bench to give his team a final push. The Ducks couldn’t maintain possession and allowed Austin Watson (1-2-3) to score a hat-trick on the empty net. The game ended with a Nashville win, 5-2.

Post-Game Analysis

The infamous rivalry between the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks was displayed in both teams’ initial physicality. This resulted in over 32 combined penalty minutes. Since the Ducks could only convert 20% of their power play opportunities, the Predators were able to maintain more offensive pressure. Anaheim was once again surpassed in shots on goal with 19-33 SOG in favor of Nashville. The Ducks will hopefully look past this 5-2 loss in their upcoming road game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Roster Moves(Prior To The Game):

Ducks recalled Andrej Sustr and Andy Welinski. Sustr played in this game, Welinski was a healthy scratch.

Joshua Mahura was reassigned to San Diego.

Max Comtois was sent back to Drummondville.

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November 26th, 2018