Ducks Win In Bounce Back Game vs. Predators

Photo: AP/Jae C. Hong

By: Stephanie Mazzuca

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the Nashville Predators for Military Appreciation Night on Monday. Ondrej Kase made his season debut after being out with a concussion. The Ducks recalled Kalle Kossila and Isac Lundestrom was reassigned to San Diego. Patrick Eaves did not play due to an upper-body injury. John Gibson was in net against Pekka Rinne.

Period 1

The first period featured a high amount of neutral-zone play as both teams fought to generate scoring chances. The Ducks kept pace with the Predators in shots attempted, hits, and faceoff wins. With three minutes remaining, Adam Henrique (4-4-8) received a delay of game penalty but Nashville was unable to convert. The period ended in a stalemate score of 0-0 with both teams generating 10 shots on goal.

Period 2

The Ducks had a strong start to the second period by creating several dangerous scoring chances against the Predators. This momentum was brought up short as Ryan Getzlaf (3-8-11) took a minor cross-checking penalty against Mattias Ekholm (3-8-11). Anaheim was able to kill the penalty and gained a power play opportunity when Kevin Fiala (1-6-7) slashed Brandon Montour (1-5-6). However, the Ducks were unable to convert. Tempers flared halfway through the period as the Predators’ center Zac Rinaldo (1-0-1) rushed off the bench and targeted Josh Manson (1-3-4). Both players were given 5-minute penalties for fighting. In the final 30 seconds, a quick Anaheim rush allowed Ryan Getzlaf (3-8-11) to score with help from Rickard Rakell (3-9-12) and Hampus Lindholm (2-7-9). The second period ended with the Ducks leading 1-0.

Period 3

Though the Ducks started the third period ahead, a quick shot from the far right point by Kevin Fiala (1-6-7) tied the game at 1-1. Fiala was assisted by Kyle Turris (3-10-13) and Craig Smith (4-3-6). As the period progressed, Anaheim began to give up turnovers in the offensive zone. This quickly led to an odd-man rush in which Brian Gibbons (0-0-0) took a soft slashing call against Frederick Gaudreau (0-0-0). The Ducks’ strong penalty killers pressured Nashville into their zone for much of the power play and Nashville was unable to generate a shot on goal before the penalty expired. With seven minutes remaining in regulation, the Ducks received another penalty for too many men on the ice. Anaheim was then able to generate some scoring chances but the Predators’ Pekka Rinne made several key saves. The final period ended tied at 1-1 with 26-15 shots on goal in favor of Anaheim.

Overtime/Shootouts

Anaheim headed into overtime with strong offensive pressure which was returned by the Predators. Ducks’ goaltender John Gibson was able to stop multiple dangerous shots from Nashville and kept his team in the game. Halfway into the overtime session, the Ducks were pushed back into their zone and were unable to make line changes. P.K. Subban (2-10-12) then grabbed the stick of Jakob Silfverberg (5-5-10) and drew a slashing penalty. Luckily, the Ducks were able to hang on until the end of overtime.

Anaheim chose to begin the shootout session with Pontus Aberg (5-1-6), who was able to score five-hole against his former teammate Pekka Rinne. The Predators went next with Kyle Turris (3-10-13) and he scored. Ondrej Kase (0-0-0) was awarded the spot of Anaheim’s second shooter, Rinne made the save. Filip Forsberg (10-5-15) shot next but missed the net. Ryan Getzlaf (3-8-11) then tried to get past Rinne but was unsuccessful. Ryan Ellis (0-8-8) was Nashville’s third shooter but John Gibson blocked his attempt. Rickard Rakell (3-9-12) went next and scored. Kevin Fiala (1-6-7) tried to extend the game but could not score. Ducks won 2-1.

Post-Game Analysis

After a disappointing on Friday, the Ducks were able to turn around and play a strong game. Anaheim was able to dominate the first and second periods in terms of both shots on goal and faceoff wins. Though the Ducks continued to receive the majority of penalties, they significantly increased their time in the offensive zone. This renewed intensity can be partially attributed to Ondrej Kase‘s (0-0-0) return to the lineup following a head injury. The Ducks will look to maintain their momentum against the Las Vegas Golden Knights on November 14th.

Team Stats/Notes

Anaheim is 5-0-0 when leading after two periods of play this season.

The Ducks were shorthanded seven times in this game, including in overtime, but were able to be perfect on the penalty kill.

Nashville suffered their first road loss this season. They were previously 8-0-0.

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November 13th, 2018