Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators Game 4

NHL Western Conference Finals Game 4 Preview

It was a good ol' "shock and awe" Tuesday night as the Nashville Predators used overwhelming force to take out the Anaheim Ducks in a game that was much more one-sided than scores indicate. The final score was a 2-1 victory for the Preds on the heels of a late powerplay goal by defenseman Roman Josi. But prior to that, Nashville scored twice but both goals were waived off due to goalie interference and a penalty. The Predators took it to the Ducks from start to finish and lead the series once more.

Series: 2-1 Predators 

Either the Ducks just didn't have their best stuff or they didn't have a lot left following a grueling game 2 effort. The Predators looked like the fresher team from start to finish and if it weren't for a pair of waived off goals and a stellar performance from Gibson, the score could've been worse than their game 6 blowout loss to the Oilers last round. Despite getting outshot by double the amount, losing 56% of their faceoffs, and having more giveaways, the Ducks only lost by one. They continued to battle and they'll keep grinding.

On another plus, the Ducks again converted on a powerplay as Corey Perry potted in his third. Their offense was silent for the most part but a bigger concern is dealing with an aggressive Predators team that has a penchant for crashing into Gibson. The Ducks won't be able to catch up with Nashville's speedy skaters but they can use their size and grit to make them pay and wear them down. If they do that, game 4 will be theirs to win.

The Predators came into game three feeling like they had to take care of unfinished business following a letdown in game 2 where they let the Ducks comeback on two separate occasions. The Preds didn't gas as they did last game but instead maintained a steady attack that saw them make 40 shots on goal. When the game got chippy, the Preds didn't back down and even outhit the Ducks. The top line continued to be unstoppable as Filip Forsberg scored his team-leading sixth goal. 

Nashville improves to 6-0 at home and looks to keep that streak going. Winning the faceoff circle has been key for the Preds as it was an area of strength for the Ducks. Not lost on the Predators' success is goaltender Pekka Rinne who had a bounce back game with 19 saves. The Preds' new found strategy of attacking the crease has the Ducks on defensive mode and even their coach Randy Carlyle lamented that strategy. The Predators need to keep the pedal to the metal and strike at the Ducks again while they are still reeling.  

Ducks at Predators Prediction

Anaheim is a team built to win in the long run and enduring seven-game series and one-goal games is familiar territory. But the Predators are just as adaptable. However, as the Ducks have shown in the past, they don't fall prey for the same strategy and will adjust if the Predators offer the same tactics. As an underdog in most sportsbooks, the Ducks are worth a bet to even the series. With plenty of gas left, the Ducks will fight tooth and nail and edge the Predators.

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