NHL Playoffs, Predators vs. Ducks Game 3 results: Full highlights (Video)

The Anaheim Ducks are alive once again after a big 3-0 shutout against the Nashville Predators.

The Anaheim Ducks are alive and well and a big 3-0 shutout against the Nashville Predators in game three of this opening round NHL playoffs series.

Games one and two were atrocious for the Ducks, they got away from what had given them success all season long. Not the case in game three. The Ducks got back to their defense first mentality and they really made life difficult for Nashville in the defensive and neutral zones.

The biggest change of this game occurred before puck drop of Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau threw Freddie Andersen in net after John Gibson had started games one and two. It worked out as Andersen posted a 27 save shutout.

Another big difference in this game was the play of Ryan Getzlaf. Boudreau called out his captain after game two and Getzlaf received the message. He was dominant in all three zones and had a big assist on the Chris Stewart goal.

Nashville looked lost, they didn’t capitalize on their chances and Pekka Rinne was not 100 percent in this one. Another factor in this game was Anaheim’s ability to neutralize Roman Josi. The Ducks didn’t allow Josi his usual time and space to create and join the rush and it played a big difference in the outcome.

It would seem that we have a series once again as the Ducks make it 2-1 and they will look to tie things up in Game 4.

Three Stars

1st Star – Freddie Andersen

Gets tossed into this series with his team down 2-0 and he records a 27 save shutout, on the road. His rebound control was excellent and he looked comfortable from the get go when he played the puck. It’s his crease until further notice.

2nd Star – Ryan Getzlaf 

Called out by his coach after game two, responds in a big way. He was dominant in every situation and made it easy for his linemates to generate offense. That’s how you know Getzlaf is on his game when he’s making everyone around him look good.

3rd Star – Rickard Rakell

Rickard Rakell missed the end of the regular season after his appendix decided it wanted out. His first game back was game one of this series and you could tell something was off. After a breakout regular season, Rakell was nonexistent through games one and two.

In Game 3 his presence alone made a difference. He tipped in a point shot for the game’s second goal after a dominant shift where he was nearly impossible to knock off the puck. When Rakell is on his game controlling the puck like that and scoring goals, the Ducks are a very different team. He was a difference maker tonight.

Highlights

Next Game

Game four is set for Thursday, April 21 at Prudential Center in Nashville.

Puck drop is at 8:00 p.m. EST and the game will be aired on NHL Network.

Date: Thursday, April 21st
Start Time: 8:00pm ET
Venue: Prudential Center
Location: Nashville, TN
TV Channel: NHL Network

For more NHL Playoffs coverage, check out our NHL hub page.