Game Recap: Anaheim Ducks @ Nashville Predators

Feb 16, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing

(39) is congratulated by right wing

(10) after scoring against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Viktory!  Viktor Fasth remains perfect in his NHL career as the Anaheim Ducks come out on top of the Nashville Predators with a 3-2 shootout win.

The Ducks went down a goal about halfway through the first period but managed to bounce back as Corey Perry found Matt Beleskey from behind the net, who then flashed the puck past Pekka Rinne, tying the game at 1-1.

The second period was very much like the first as Shea Weber got his first goal of the season,shooting a bullet from the blueline that found its way over Viktor Fasth’s shoulder.  Anaheim would answer as Patrick Maroon would get his first NHL goal as he made his way to the front of the net, tipping in a great pass from Kyle Palmieri.

The third period would keep the game tied at 2, and overtime would not change the score leading the two teams to a shootout.  Nick Bonino would continue his shootout scoring streak as he beat Rinne and put the Ducks up 1.  That goal advantage would hold true as Viktor Fasth kept David Legwand’s shot from sneaking it’s way through the five-hole.

Pekka Rinne was given a lucky break as Andrew Cogliano’s shot resulted with a broken stick and Nashville would even it up as Craig Smith’s change in speed would pull Viktor Fasth out of position, allowing him to bury the puck.  Corey Perry shot straight down center-ice and his quick forehand to backhand would allow him to maneuver around Rinne for a goal again giving the Ducks the one-goal advantage. Gabriel Borque would not be able to answer as his shot rolled off his stick and Fasth emerged with his 8^th victory, and 4^th shootout win.

There were many points about the Ducks game but perhaps Anaheim’s greatest success was their ability to kill penalties, as they killed all 5 of Nashville’s powerplays.  The Ducks looked visibly tired, (and understandably so), but managed to dig deep and find a way to win in an arena that historically has not been kind to the Ducks.  More impressively this win results in the best Ducks road trip in franchise history as the Ducks come out of the trip with 10 of a possible 12 points.

With this win the Ducks securely sit two points behind Chicago as the best team in the league and the western conference.  Tonight’s win breaks a tie for second place in the NHL standings for which the Ducks were previously tied with the New Jersey Devils, who have also played a game more than the Ducks.  The Ducks will be back at home on Monday to play the Columbus Blue Jackets and hopefully will take advantage of the day off to get some much-needed rest.