VIDEO: Injured Ducks Fall To The Preds

By Aaron Francis

After a blowout game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim looked to get a restart on the road trip against the Nashville Predators. John Gibson was in goal for the Ducks and Juuse Saros would start for the Predators.

The Ducks were without the services of Ryan Getzlaf, Trevor Zegras, Isac Lundestrom, and Jakob Silfverberg.

First Period

Despite being majorly outplayed in the opening period, Anaheim went into the locker room only being down by 1 goal. The Ducks would go to the penalty kill after Sam Steel took a hooking penalty and the Predators used it to their advantage scoring on a passing play that ended with Matt Duchene potting the puck past Gibson, 1-0 Nashville.

Very soon after the Predators thought they extended the lead off a goal by Tanner Jeannot but it would be challenged and called back for being offside. Another opportunity for Nashville led to the whole building thinking Michael McCarron had scored but it went off the post and out. The Ducks would also benefit from a couple more Nashville shots that would ring off the post and stay out. Shots were tied at 10-10 in the first.

Second Period

The Predators got the early push to start the period getting the first five shots and driving the offense. Anaheim would get a power play opportunity but were unable to get properly set up in the Nashville zone. The Predators however would take the lead as a pass in close off the stick of Duchene found Filip Forsberg who scored, 2-0 Nashville.

Cam Fowler had an open lane and came down from the point with a backhand shot that was gloved aside by Saros. Steel had an opportunity to tuck the puck in behind Juuse Saros but let go of the puck too soon shooting it into the Nashville netminder. Late in the period Buddy Robinson dropped the gloves with Michael McCarron. Shots were 14-11 Nashville in the second.

Third Period

The Ducks made it interesting by closing the gap to just one goal but ultimately couldn’t tie the game late. Anaheim finally had extended time in the Nashville zone but failed to get any dangerous chances on Saros. Most of the shots were from the outside until finally a loose puck was knocked in the net by Adam Henrique, 2-1 Nashville. The Predators would then take a penalty giving the Ducks an opportunity to tie the game up.

However this would not be the case as a slap shot from Colton Sissons beat John Gibson up high to extend the lead, 3-1 Nashville. Finally after pulling the goalie Anaheim would lose the possession and Matt Duchene would score his second of the night, 4-1 Nashville. A late Predators penalty allowed the Ducks to pull Gibson one last time but time would wind down and the score would hold the same. Shots were 7-6 Anaheim in the third for a game total of 30-28 Nashville.

Team Notes/Stats:

Anaheim is now 4-6-0 in their last 10 games.

Andrej Sustr played in his first game since being claimed off of waivers wearing #92.

Josh Manson is still listed on the IR, but appears to be close to returning and could play this weekend.

Getzlaf and Silfverberg were added to the IR.

What’s Next?

The Ducks travel to New Jersey to face the Devils on Saturday at 4 PM.

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March 11th, 2022