NHL Playoffs, Predators vs. Ducks Game 4 results: Full highlights (Video)

The Anaheim Ducks have crawled out of an 0-2 hole to tie this opening round NHL playoffs series against the Nashville Predators.

At this rate, will the home team ever win a game in this series? First the Predators walk out of Anaheim with a two games to none series lead. Now the Ducks have answered by winning games three and four in Nashville to tie this series at two games apiece.

The Ducks carried over momentum from game three with an early goal as the captain Ryan Getzlaf jammed home a rebound. The Ducks would continue to apply pressure throughout the first period and Freddie Andersen was on top of his game once again.

The second period was a different story as the Nashville crowd got into the game and supplied much needed energy. The Predators answered with a goal of their own as Mike Fisher got loose in front of the Anaheim net to even the game at one. Colin Wilson continued to shine as he made a beautiful pass on the play.

However unlike games one and two, the Ducks stuck tot heir guns and continued to apply pressure. First it was Rickard Rakell who carried the puck in deep behind the net and made a beautiful feed out front to Nate Thompson who showed incredible patience to slide the puck past Pekka Rinne. Next it was Chris Stewart who kept the puck in the offensive zone, fired a shot on net and Jamie McGinn was there to knock it in.

The Ducks created a big traffic jam in the neutral zone throughout the third period and were persistent with playing the puck up the boards. However they would have to kill their fair share of penalties as David Perron and Ryan Garbutt took a few bad penalties, much to the delight of Bruce Boudreau. The Ducks excellent penalty kill stood tall as they had done so many times throughout the regular season.

The Predators started to make a late push but an unbelievable defensive play made it a 4-1 game late. Jakob Silfverberg stripped a puck right off of Roman Josi’s stick, fed Cogliano in front and that was the dagger.

Shea Weber and Roman Josi were once again contained and it was a big reason why the Ducks were able to tie this series up. Freddie Andersen has now let in one goal on 57 shots in this series, Nashville may have to re think things heading into game five.

The Ducks could have spun this game out of control as Mike Ribiero speared Corey Perry late in the second period. The Ducks kept their cool and did not let Nashville get into their heads and that is the difference between going back to Anaheim down 3-1, and heading home tied up at two.

Three Stars

1st Star – Freddie Andersen

As I mentioned, he has allowed just one goal on 57 shots so far in this series after getting the nod to start game three. He made big saves when he needed to and his calming collected presence has rubbed off on the team.

2nd Star – Nate Thompson

Thompson has been called upon to supply some more offense as Boudreau has slotted him onto the Rakell-Perry line. It payed off as Thompson got loose to score a big goal. He was physical, forechecking and made a few really important defensive plays.

3rd Star – Ryan Getzlaf

The Ducks will go as Getzlaf does and from the get go in game four, Getzlaf was ready to play. He went hard to the net on his first shift to bang home the rebound. Getzlaf was also a big reason why the Josi/Weber combination was contained, a few big hits on Josi in particular were reasons why Getzlaf’s defensive and physical presence were key. The Ducks were also a better possession team when Getzlaf was on the ice.

Highlights

Next Game

Game five is set for Saturday, April 23 at Honda Center in Anaheim.

Game time and network coverage are to be determined and will likely be announced at the conclusion of the Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues game.

Date: Saturday, April 23rd
Start Time: TBD
Venue: Honda Center
Location: Anaheim, CA
TV Channel: TBD

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