Ducks Edge The Predators 5-4

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks finished the regular season on the road against he Nashville Predators. Ville Husso was in net against Juuse Saros. Tristan Luneau made his season debut.

Cutter Gauthier scored just over a minute into this one. Ryan Poehling found Cutter Gauthier at the right side of the net and he beat Saros from a severe angle.

About halfway through the period, Steven Stamkos tied the game up.

Filip Forsberg scored on the power play with just over four minutes to go to give the Predators a 2-1 lead.

Jackson LaCombe tied up the game with less than 30 seconds to go in the period. He took a shot from the point that made its way through traffic and hit the back of the net. The teams were tied 2-2 after the first period.

Alex Killorn scored in the opening minutes of the second period to make it a 3-2 Anaheim lead. He scored on a one-timer from the boards that fooled Saros.

The Predators answered back with two goals from Forsberg and Steven Stamkos less than a minute apart. Nashville suddenly led 4-3 after two periods.

Tristan Luneau scored early in the third period to tie the game up at four. Mikael Granlund split the defense and was denied in the slot, but Luneau picked up the rebound and scored.

In the final minutes of the the game, Troy Terry was high sticked and the Ducks were awarded a four minute power play. Granlund tried to score in the slot and Terry was there to pick up the rebound and scored to put the Ducks ahead.

Nashville pulled their goalie in the final minute, but the Anaheim was able to hang on to win 5-4.

Analysis:

This was a wild way to finish the season. The Ducks had an early lead of 1-0 and then led 3-2 in the beginning of the second period. They then found themselves down 4-3 to start the third period and were able to score twice in the third period to pull out a 5-4 win.

The first period was pretty evenly matched as the Ducks held the advantage in shots on goal 10 to 9 and the score was tied 2-2. From the that point on the Ducks outshot the Predators 30 to 12 and outscored them 3 to 2.

Special teams played a big role as the Ducks scored twice in their three power plays. The Predators had six power plays and were only able to score once.

The Ducks got some goals from the blueline by LaCombe and recent call up Luneau.

Anaheim needed some momentum heading into the post season and they got it with the comeback win against Nashville. The Ducks finished third in the Pacific Division and will face the Edmonton Oilers in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Team Notes/Stats:

Gauthier scored his team leading 41st goal.

Anaheim earned their 26th comeback win of the season, matching the franchise record back in 2013-14.

Luneau scored in the only regular season game he played this season. That was his second career NHL goal.

What’s Next?

The Ducks will face the Oilers in Edmonton on Monday at 7PM.

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

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!

April 17th, 2026