Ducks vs Predators: Western Conference Finals Preview

It’s time for a Ducks vs Predators preview with a trip the Stanley Cp on the line.

The Western Conference has come down to the Ducks vs Predators.

The Anaheim Ducks are just four wins away from making it back to the Stanley Cup Final.

Standing in their way is the same team that eliminated them in the 2016 playoffs — the Nashville Predators.

The Predators made short work of the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round outscoring them 13-3. They then took down the St. Louis Blues in six close games. Four of which were decided by one goal.

In both series, the Predators used a clamp down defense and strong goal-tending to stop some of hockey’s best players.

Against the Blues, the Predators’ primary scoring came from their top three defensmen P.K. Subban, Roman Josi, and Ryan Ellis.

Fast scoring defensemen aren’t the only thing the Ducks will have to contend with.  Despite increasing their goal average from 2.68 in the regular season to 3.18 in the playoffs, Anaheim is going to find it hard to score against the Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne.

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Rinne is currently the playoff leader among goaltenders with an astounding .951 save percentage and 1.35 goals against average (GAA). If the Ducks get past the Predators defense they’ll need to figure out a way to get past Rinne.

The Ducks offense is balanced, as they have gotten major contributions from multiple players.

Also, the true force in the playoffs on offense has been been captain Ryan Getzlaf.  With 8 goals and 7 assists Getzlaf’s 15 points is second in the playoffs among all players.  In both playoff series, the Ducks won on the back of their captain.

As he had six games in where he collected multiple points.

The Ducks will continue to need high performances from their scoring corp if they expect to get to the Stanley Cup Finals.  The Ducks will need goaltender John Gibson to show up too.  GIbson compared to Rinne has been plainly average.

In game seven against the Oilers, Gibson gave up a goal after three and a half minutes. GIbson then shut down the Oilers for the rest of the game making countless saves helping the Ducks finally win a game seven.

He is also 3-0 in overtime during these playoffs.  The Ducks will need more of the game seven GIbson than the one who has struggled at times.

The winner will play for the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup.