NHL Playoffs, Predators vs. Ducks Game 6 results: Full highlights (Video)

The Nashville Predators have forced a game 7 with a 3-1 win against the Anaheim Ducks in this opening round of the NHL playoffs.

For the fourth year in a row, the Anaheim Ducks will play a game seven at home. The Ducks once again have failed to close out on the road in game six and the Nashville Predators will have the opportunity to absolutely shock the Ducks on Wednesday night in Anaheim.

Game six was different for one reason, Pekka Rinne. Rinne was spectacular making a ton of key saves late in the game. He has faced questions about being outplayed by Ducks goaltender Freddie Andersen, but Rinne proved himself big time in game six.

Freddie Andersen was nearly lights out as well. Nashville scored on a shot where Andersen had no vision of anything coming his way, and on a 2-on-1 that James Neal tapped in. Neal, along with Ryan Johansen, played a big role in Nashville’s win as they both were factors all night long.

The defensive pairing of Ryan Ellis and Matias Ekholm were very good as well. Ekholm scored the first Nashville goal and Ellis was dominant at both ends of the ice, posing as an offensive threat throughout the game.

Ryan Getzlaf did not show up to play in this game and you have to wonder what another game seven loss at home would do to his reputation as a captain. He has not been a factor in the Ducks three previous game seven’s and Wednesday’s tilt will be a huge game for Getzlaf, who the Ducks need to step up.

All opening round series will be completed by the time this game seven begins on Wednesday night, a huge game to say the least. The Ducks will have a ton of pressure on them to win that game as this game seven absolutely brings more pressure than the previous three. If the Predators walk away victorious in Anaheim on Wednesday night, oh boy.

Three Stars

1st Star – Pekka Rinne

His best game of the series, made a ton of saves late. Rinne will need to duplicate this performance if Nashville is going to have a shot at winning game seven.

2nd Star – Ryan Johansen

He made a nice dish to Neal on the second goal and had another good game after a strong performance in game six.

3rd Star – Mattias Ekholm

Ekholm scored a big goal on a nice play where he carried the puck in deep and circled out in front, he had the presence of mind to get the puck on net with traffic in front. His presence makes the Nashville blue-line incredibly dangerous.

Highlights

Next Game

Game seven is set for Wednesday, April 27 at Honda Center in Anaheim.

Game time and network coverage are to be determined.

Date: Wednesday, April 27th
Start Time: TBD
Venue: Honda Center
Location: Anaheim, CA
TV Channel: TBD

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