Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators: Predator or Prey?

By Ciara Durant

NASHVILLE, TN - MAY 18: Referee Kelly Sutherland #11skates into a conversation between Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators and Ryan Kesler #17 of the Anaheim Ducks before a face-off in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MAY 18: Referee Kelly Sutherland #11skates into a conversation between Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators and Ryan Kesler #17 of the Anaheim Ducks before a face-off in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 8: Nick Bonino #13 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on March 8, 2018, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 8: Nick Bonino #13 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on March 8, 2018, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Anaheim Ducks take the ice at Honda Center tonight with a 7-8-3 record. The team has struggled thus far against teams considered to be of similar caliber. The real test, to see how they stand up under the pressure, begins tonight against the Nashville Predators.

Game 19: Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators

Location: Honda Center — Anaheim, California

Time: 7:00 p.m. PST

TV: Fox Sports West

Radio: AM 830

The Anaheim Ducks face off against one of their fiercest rivals tonight. Although Ducks Nation would receive a big win if we see Ryan Kesler and Ryan Johansen drop the gloves tonight, an actual win would make tonight even better.

The Anaheim Ducks haven’t won a game against the Nashville Predators since the 2017 Conference Finals on May 18, 2017. A win tonight is going to be excruciatingly difficult for the team, but not impossible. The team has had quite a few major missteps in their last few games, but there are a few key components, that if they are able to execute, will help them win the game.

The Apex Predators

Before I jump into the keys to winning tonight’s game, I first want to take a moment to discuss what, or who, the Ducks need to be cautious of. The Nashville Predators lead the Western Conference and the Central Division with a record of 13-3-0 and 26 points. The reason they are leading their Conference and Division is that they are a team chalked full of depth, speed, and grit.

Their top line, specifically, is what the Anaheim Ducks need to keep an eye on. It is projected that we will see Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, and Colton Sissons on their top line tonight. With a combined total of 38 points in the past 16 games, their top line is going to be extremely dangers, even with Viktor Arvidsson is out tonight with a lower-body injury.

The Anaheim Ducks are going to need to keep an eye on the Predators defensive pairings too. Their top four is exploding with the talented likes of their captain Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, Mattias Ekholm, and P.K. Subban. The quartet is not only a productive bunch but is considered one of the most talented groups of defenseman in the league.

The Predators have yet to announce a starting goaltender for tonight’s game, but considering the depth found in the rest of their roster, the Predators don’t need to worry much about who is representing them in the net.

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