The series that had seemed too easy for the Nashville Predators was nonexistent in Game 3, as the Anaheim Ducks rode an early lead to a 3-0 win on the road.
Ducks vs. Predators, 2016 NHL playoff results: Frederik Andersen returns with a shutout in Game 3
The Ducks made a goalie change that paid off.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Anaheim's win means the Predators will now head into Game 4 on Thursday with a 2-1 series lead. Chris Stewart led the Ducks offensively with a goal and an assist. Goalie Frederik Andersen, who the Ducks turned to after rookie John Gibson struggled in the first two games, sparkled and made 27 saves for the shutout.
The Ducks opened the scoring in the first period when an unforced Nashville turnover in their own zone led to a pass from Shawn Horcoff to Jamie McGinn for a 1-0 Ducks lead. It was the first goal of the playoffs and third career playoff goal for McGinn.
Anaheim extended their lead in the second, as defenseman Sami Vatanen's shot wide of the net was deflected in by winger Rickard Rakell at 11:33. With three minutes left in the second period, Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf wafted through defenders and found Stewart for Anaheim's third goal.
The Ducks went into “protect the lead” mode for much of an uneventful third period, and Andersen recovered from an injury scare to stop all of Nashville’s final 13 shots in the frame to preserve the win.
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