Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators Game 5

NHL Western Conference Finals Game 5 Preview

The script flipped as the Anaheim Ducks were the ones taking it to Nashville following game 3, which saw the Predators outshoot, outmaneuver, and outperform the Ducks in almost all facets. The Ducks continued to be almost unbeatable following a loss as they once again made the right adjustments in neutralizing Nashville's offense while seemingly solving the once-unbeatable Pekka Rinne. The Preds found their offense again but the Ducks prevailed. The series' back-and-forth nature makes it look like it goes all seven games as game 5 returns to Anaheim.

The Ducks are capable of so many things and quitting isn’t one of them. Following a game 3 that saw them get outshot, outmaneuvered, and outperformed by the Preds, Randy Carlyle’s boys roared back in game 4 and took it to Nashville early. The Ducks are finally finding success in stifling Nashville’s offense limiting them to just two shots on goal and although the Predators roared back in the later periods, goalie John Gibson was once again solid in net.

Gibson, who had the worst save percentage among the remaining goalies, has elevated his play and has been the main reason the Ducks have stayed in the series. And speaking of goaltenders, Pekka Rinne is looking mortal as Rickard Rakell and the Ducks are finding ways to beat him in net. The Ducks’ used their size and muscle to combat the Preds’ smooth skating and creative offense. The penalty kill has been spot-on killing all five of Nashville’s powerplays. In their return to Anaheim, the Ducks need to continue taking it to Rinne early while bodying the Preds and slowing them down.

It wasn’t the start the Predators were hoping for as they managed to only produce two shots on net while surrendering two goals. But they bounced back and managed to tie the game late only to lose it in overtime. The Ducks outshot the Predators 14-2 but Nashville outshot the Ducks 29-17 in the second and third periods. Game 4 marks the first time in the series the Predators registered fewer shots on goal than the Ducks and still holds a +43 advantage in that department.

For Nashville to bounce back, they don’t have to stray too far from their game. The Ducks are tougher than an overcooked steak and will take a while to bring down but consistent puck movement remains key and additional scoring help beyond the Filip Forsberg line will put the Predators over in a big way. Returning to Anaheim, the Ducks are not too difficult to beat at home and like their opponents, the Preds get better following a loss. They’ll look to start the game faster and overwhelm the Ducks defense with a more aggressive attack.

Ducks vs Predators Prediction

The Preds are a sumptuous underdog to bet on as they are still the better team overall but the Ducks’ playoff experience, grit, and more balanced scoring will again carry them through. Ryan Getzlaf has been quiet this series and once he gets it going, the Ducks can further overpower the Predators. Gibson should remain hot at net while Rinne is regressing towards the mean as the Ducks are finding his weaknesses. Game 5 will be another close one but count on the Ducks to once again edge the Predators.

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