Ducks Take Down The Predators; Swept Season Series

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks finished their road trip in Nashville against the Predators. John Gibson was in net against Justus Annunen.

Recap:

The Predators went on a power play early in the first period and converted. Steven Stamkos scored on a one-timer from the left circle as he sent the puck high over Gibson. Nashville led 1-0 after the first period.

The Ducks tied up the game just over seven minutes into the second period. Mason McTavish tried to score from the right side of the net. He shot was blocked, but Jackson LaCombe was in the slot and slammed the rebound home for the easy score.

Troy Terry then gave the Ducks the lead with just under seven minutes left in the middle frame. Terry brought the puck into the slot and fired a twist shot high beating Annunen to tie the game.

With less than five minutes to go Trevor Zegras made it a 3-1 game. Drew Helleson took a point shot and Zegras redirected the rebound into the back of the net. The Ducks led 3-1 after two periods.

The Ducks held their two goal advantage until late in the third period. The Predators pulled their goalie for the extra attacker and Frank Vatrano scored into the empty net. The play was challenged for being offside and the goal was called back as a result. Shortly after that Alex Killorn then scored and Anaheim went on to win 4-1.

Analysis:

The Ducks got off to another slow start only putting a couple shots on goal about halfway through the period. They found themselves down 1-0 at the end of the period, but they did pick up their play in the second half of the period. In the middle frame the Ducks took over scoring three goals in about 8 minutes of play. Anaheim was then able to coast in the third period and eventually won 4-1.

Anaheim managed a CF% of 46.51% and a FF% of 54.88% at even strength. The Ducks scored three goals at even strength and keep the Predators off the board. Nashville was able to only score once and while on the power play. The shots on goal ended up being even at 34 apiece and the face-offs were almost dead even as well.

The Ducks have had the Predators number all season beating them in all three meetings. Gibson was very solid in his return stopping 33 of 34 shots after missing Anaheim’s last seven games. Hopefully, he is back permanently as there are only a few weeks left in the season.

Team Notes/Stats:

Nikita Nesterenko was out with an illness. Oliver Kylington made his Anaheim debut and played on the fourth line.

Ville Husso was reassigned to the San Diego Gulls.

LaCombe scored his 12th goal this season which is the most by an Anaheim defenseman since Sami Vatanen had 12 in 2014-15.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Carolina Hurricanes Sunday at 5PM.

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March 21st, 2025