Ducks vs. Predators: Game 5 prediction

The Anaheim Ducks host the Nashville Predators in a critical Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Who comes out on top? 

It wasn’t pretty, but the Anaheim Ducks managed to tie the series against the Nashville Predators in Game 4. They got out to a 2-0 lead in the second period and seemed ready to coast to a victory. However, the Nashville Predators weren’t done yet, scoring twice in the final minutes to tie the game at two. Despite the home crowd giving the Preds all the momentum, Anaheim ended it in overtime thanks to a Corey Perry goal. Now they take the series back to California for Game 5.

Anaheim has to stop committing so many penalties. They nearly gave away Game 5 with their dumb penalties. Nashville has a pretty deadly power play, so giving them a man advantage is never a wise decision. John Gibson once again played very well. Ever since Game 6 against the Edmonton Oilers, he’s been outstanding.

On the other side of the ice, the Predators must dig deep, as they have to win without star center Ryan Johansen. He’s out for the rest of the postseason with a thigh injury. It’ll be up to clutch scorer Filip Forsberg, who has a goal in each of the series’ first four games, to handle the load from here on out. Getting some production from captain Mike Fisher would certainly help ease the burden.

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Prediction

The Ducks have the advantage going into Game 5. Johansen has been the Predators’ third best player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, trailing only Pekka Rinne and Forsberg. None of Nashville’s other centers have been producing. Anaheim can’t let the Predators get momentum with a Game 5 win only to go back to Nashville for Game 6. It’s hard to think the home team doesn’t pull out the win here.

Ducks beat Predators 3-1.