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Ducks vs. Predators: Game 1 prediction

By David Austin Bumpus

March 7, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Andrew Cogliano (7) moves the puck against Nashville Predators defenseman Yannick Weber (7) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 7, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Andrew Cogliano (7) moves the puck against Nashville Predators defenseman Yannick Weber (7) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Just two days removed from their Game 7 win over the Blues, the Ducks start the Western Conference Finals against the Predators.

The Anaheim Ducks are flying high after finally taking home a Game 7, and are hopping right back onto the ice to start the Western Conference Finals with the Nashville Predators.

The Predators have rested up plenty since their series ended with the St. Louis Blues five days ago. They’re playing well, but maybe hoped the semifinals would end earlier as a whole to keep up their momentum.

Pekka Rinne is continuing to be a star in net for the Predators, with a 1.37 goals allowed average and a .951 save percentage. He’s been the glue holding Nashville together throughout the postseason and needs to stay on his game against the Ducks to give his team a chance.

The Predators have never been a part of this big a stage before, as they compete in their franchise’s first ever conference final. Mistakes are bound to happen, but at this point in the postseason, they can prove to be fatal. With a fairly inexperienced team as far as this point in the postseason is concerned, they’ll need to be on top of their game against a veteran squad in Anaheim.

The Ducks just need to keep up their game plan from Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers and continue their solid defense to give John Gibson an easy time in net. If they can limit their mistakes and play smart, they should be able to outlast the Predators to start the conference finals.

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Prediction: Ducks 2, Predators 1

The Ducks proved on Wednesday that this isn’t any normal postseason, as they shook off the Game 7 cobwebs at home. The fans will surely be the loudest they can be on Friday night, coming off a big win just two days prior, and home ice could be huge for the Ducks in Game 1. Look for the veteran trio of Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler and Corey Perry to capitalize on the inexperience of the Predators and take Game 1 in Anaheim to start out the series.

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