Ducks vs. Predators: Game 4 prediction

Who will win Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals between the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks? 

The first three games of the Western Conference Finals between the Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators have been insane. There have been two overtimes (games 1 and 3) and a comeback from a two goal deficit – twice (game 2). Game 4 should prove to be no different with both teams playing at a very high level.

Nashville won Game 3 in overtime thanks to Roman Josi. They remain undefeated at home, where they will play Game 4. One has to think the Predators have a distinct advantage because of home ice. Pekka Rinne rebounded from an awful Game 2 with an outstanding Game 3. He remains the Predators best chance of beating the Ducks. Ryan Johansen versus Ryan Kesler remains the battle to watch in this series, with both players sharing a mutual disdain for the other.

On the other side of the ice, Anaheim has to re-figure out how to get pucks past Rinne. They seemed to have solved him in Game 2, but he bounced back in Game 3, limiting them to just one goal. Anaheim has been very good on the road this postseason, losing just two games, but they face what is basically a must win scenario in Game 4 against a team who has yet to lose at home in the playoffs.

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Prediction

Despite a Game 3 win, the Predators have to be concerned about their lack of offense from their forwards. Johansen has been the only active center in this series, with Calle Jarnkrok and Mike Fisher combining for zero points so far. Anaheim has the center depth necessary to take advantage of this, but they haven’t been able to do so yet. Nashville gets the slight nod, as they are the home team.

Predators 3, Ducks 2