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GDT: Ducks @ Predators; Game 58; 02-08-2014

Baltic Gal

Baltic Gal

Moderator
Ducks VS. Predators

Game 58

02/08/2014


In Nashville, Tenn

@5:00PM Pacific Time

Preview:

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Ducks Try to Get Back on Track vs. Predators



DUCKS (40-14-5) at PREDATORS (25-23-10)


TV: PRIME, FS-TN


Last 10: Anaheim 4-6-0; Nashville 5-2-3


Season series: Anaheim and Nashville play the second game of a three-game season series Saturday at Bridgestone Arena. The Ducks are 31-18-7 vs. the Predators, including an 11-13-4 mark in Nashville. Anaheim has won four straight over Nashville, one shy of the club record (Mar. 5, 1999-Apr. 7, 2000). The Ducks earned a 4-3 in the series opener on Jan. 9 in Nashville, keyed by Teemu Selanne’s 109th career game-winning goal to match Brendan Shanahan for fifth on the all-time GWG list. The season series will conclude on Apr. 4 at Honda Center.


Big story: The Ducks (40-13-5, 85 points) play their final game prior to the Olympic break against the Nashville Predators Saturday at Bridgestone Arena (5 p.m. PST, PRIME TICKET/AM 830). The Ducks have gone 22-6-0 in their last 28 games, including a 12-4-0 mark at Honda Center and 10-2-0 road record. The Ducks are 15-1-2 vs. the Pacific Division and a league-best 23-7-2 (.750 points %) vs. the Western Conference. At 40-13-5 for 85 points, Anaheim is riding its best start to a season through 58 games, improving upon the previous mark of 34-16-8 for 76 points in 2006-07. It is also the deepest into a season that the Ducks have ever led the league in points (previously 48 games, 2006-07). In addition, the club has scored the most goals (189, second in NHL this season) and allowed the fewest (139) through 58 games in club history. Following tonight's game, the Ducks will enter the 10-day Olympic break from Feb. 9-18, at which point NHL clubs can resume practice on Feb. 19.


Team Scope:


Ducks: One of the top offenses in the NHL has managed two goals in three games, and has been shut out twice in those games, including a 2-0 loss against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday. The last time the Ducks faced the Predators, Nashville got two goals in the opening minutes of the game.


"They came out to a good start. They always do in that building, We gotta be ready," said Matt Beleskey. "It will be a big test. We're on a bit of a slide and there's nothing we want more than to finish this thing off with a win heading into the break."


Despite Nashville allowing almost three goals per game, defenseman Bryan Allen said the Predators can shut teams down.


"They have been known for being a hard-working team and a great system. Sometimes you have to play a patient game and play your system well too," he said.


Predators: Nashville suffered a 3-2 overtime loss against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. It was the Predators' third straight game that went past 60 minutes; they have lost the past two. Nashville was outshot 36-18.


"Carter Hutton gave us a chance [Thursday]. He got us a point. We hit three posts, they had a little luck on their side," Predators coach Barry Trotz said in crediting his goalie.


Nashville has allowed 12 goals in four games and hopes to avoid a three-game winless streak for the sixth time this season.


Who's hot: Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller has stopped 48 of 51 shots (.941 save percentage) in two games but the Ducks have scored no goals for him in those starts. … Predators center Craig Smith has two goals and four assists in five games.


Injury report: Goalie Viktor Fasth (lower body), forward Nick Bonino (upper body) and defenseman Mark Fistic (lower body) are on injured reserve. … Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne (hip) is on IR. Forward Viktor Stalberg (upper body) did not play Thursday.
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Getzlaf looking to make a pass to Perry, instead a Pred knocks it in to his own net. Thank you Pred, who ever you are!
 
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