The Ducks and Predators had to wait three days to play their first game of the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, but it was worth the wait in a 3-2 Nashville victory.
Predators vs. Ducks, 2016 NHL playoff results: Quick start aids Nashville in 3-2 victory
Early scoring from the visiting Predators helped Nashville jump out to an early series lead.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Predators No. 2 goal scorer James Neal set the tone early, pouncing on a Ducks defensive breakdown just 35 seconds into the game that put the visitors up 1-0.
Anaheim was able to respond late in the first after the Predators found themselves taking two late penalties to force a Ducks 5-on-3. Captain Ryan Getzlaf tapped in the puck at the side of the cage after it dinged off the post for the 1-1 equalizer.
The Ducks then got an early goal of their own 48 seconds into the second. Ryan Kesler got the honors as Nashville netminder Pekka Rinne was screened on the left circle shot. The lead didn't last too long, however, as a Predators rush seven minutes later saw Colin Wilson deflect the puck in one-handed with no Anaheim defenders marking their man.
Nashville took the lead on Filip Forsberg’s goal, after the young forward stripped a Ducks player in their offensive zone and turned on the jets down the other way. A lucky skate deflection in front of the net put the Predators up 3-2 just past the 10 minute mark, resulting in the game winner for Nashville.
Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne ended the night with 26 saves in the victory.
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