Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators: Game 3 prediction

The Anaheim Ducks head east to visit the Nashville Predators in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. After two exciting games, who wins Game 3?

The first two games of the Western Conference Finals have been unforgettable. At Honda Center, the Nashville Predators won Game 1 in overtime 3-2. The Anaheim Ducks quickly fell behind 2-0 at home in Game 2, but they fought back to win 5-3, with Antoine Vermette’s empty net goal clinching it. Now the series heads to Nashville for the next two games.

Despite losing Game 2, the Predators are in pretty good shape. They split the first two games in Anaheim, which is huge considering how hard it is to win in the Honda Center for visitors. Now Nashville gets to play at home at Bridgestone Arena for the next two games. The Predators have been very good at home this postseason, winning each of their first five games. Ryan Johansen has been outstanding, but the rest of the centers must start producing to take some of the pressure off of him.

Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks have to be happy after Game 2. They showed they can fall behind early and still come back to win. Also, Ryan Kesler is starting to get in Johansen’s head, which can only be a good thing. Jakob Silfverberg has been extremely productive, picking up goals in both Games 1 and 2. John Gibson was able to overcome a very shaky start on Sunday to finishing strong and help the Ducks tie the series.

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Prediction

This is a tough one to predict. Anaheim has been excellent on the road while Nashville hasn’t lost at home yet in the postseason. The Ducks proved they’re never out of a game on Sunday. But the Predators will bounce back and win a close one at home.

Predators 4, Ducks 3 (OT)