The Anaheim Ducks host the Nashville Predators in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Friday, May 12.
Wednesday night, the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 7 to advance to the Western Conference finals. On Friday night, the Ducks host the Nashville Predators, who are making their first trip to the conference finals in franchise history. The Predators have not played since Sunday when they eliminated the St. Louis Blues. The extra rest should help the Predators in Game 1 of the series.
Pekka Rinne has been incredible in net for Nashville. The 34-year-old goalie has allowed 14 goals in 10 games, posting a 95.1 save percentage. In front of Rinne, the Nashville defense has been great. Ryan Ellis, P.K. Subban, and Roman Josi have produced nine goals and 24 points. Defensively, they will be responsible for shutting down Ryan Getzlaf, who leads the Ducks with 15 points in the playoffs.
Offensively, the Ducks’ top five forwards, Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Ryan Kessler, Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg, are all producing. Getzlaf leads the way with 15 points, but Perry, Rakell and Silfverberg all have at least nine points, while Kessler has seven points and has been used in a shutdown role against other teams’ top lines. However, the Ducks have a big question in net. John Gibson has been inconsistent, posting a 90.8 save percentage. Gibson was great in Game 7 but was pulled after allowing three soft goals in the first period of Game 6. Anaheim will go as far as Gibson carries them.
Next: NHL playoffs: Conference finals tv schedule
The NHL playoff game between the Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators will be broadcast on the NBCSN and CBC in Canada. Live streaming is available on NBC Sports and Sportsnet Now which you can access with your cable or satellite, either online or through their app.
Date: Friday, May 12
Start Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Location: Anaheim, California
Stadium: Honda Center
TV Info: NBCSN, CBC (Canada)
Live Stream: NBC Sports, CBC
Anaheim was great at home in the regular season going 29-8-4. The Ducks won the season series 2-1. Both teams each won one game by a five-goal margin, with the third game decided by the shootout.