Nashville Predators vs. Anaheim Ducks Game 5 Preview
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim
When: Saturday, May 20, 2017, 7:15 PM ET
Line: Nashville Predators vs. Anaheim Ducks – view all NHL lines
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Betting on the Nashville Predators
Down 2-0 late in Game 4, the Predators rallied with two goals in the third period to send the game into overtime but eventually lost in overtime, 3-2, at home. It was the Preds’ first loss in Nashville in seven games these playoffs. With the series now tied at 2-2, the Preds will look to get the upper hand again on Saturday in Anaheim. They are 5-5 in their last 10 road games.
Pekka Rinne wasn’t as sharp in Game 4, giving up three goals on 37 shots faced. That was the most shots he’s dealt with so far in this series. The defense upfront wasn’t up to par for the Predators, who are allowing just 28.6 shots per game these playoffs—third lowest overall.
Following Thursday night’s loss, the Preds are now 2-5 this postseason when they’ve been outshot. Winning the possession battle is key in beating the Ducks, as Anaheim is currently tops in the postseason in goals (3.07 per game) and shots (33.8).
Betting on the Anaheim Ducks
There must be a huge sigh of relief for the Ducks after Nate Thompson scored a goal in overtime of Game 3. Thanks to Thompson finding the back of the net, the Ducks are coming back home with momentum—a bigger factor in the playoffs than during the regular season.
Speaking of momentum, the Ducks must avoid committing needless and silly penalties like the two they had late in the third period of Game 4 that gave Nashville some needed steam. They’re tied with Ottawa as the most penalized teams in the playoffs with 77 but are solo leaders in penalty minutes (206). They’re lucky the Preds are misfiring on power plays with Nashville just 1-for-17 on the man advantage this series. Their luck might run out soon, though, so the Ducks will have to play a more disciplined hockey.
Save for the pair of goals near the end of regulation, John Gibson was solid between the pipes for the Ducks, stopping 32 of 34 shots faced. Gibson returns to Anaheim, where the Ducks are 5-3 so far this postseason.
Writer’s Prediction
Nashville wins, 3-2.
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