NHL Game Preview: Anaheim Ducks (42-33-6) vs. Nashville Predators (38-33-10)

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Nashville Predators logo

Faceoff is scheduled for  8:00 PM EDT Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee

Injury Report

Nashville Predators

Nicolas Hague — Day‑to‑day (upper‑body)

Anaheim Ducks

Chris Kreider — Day‑to‑day (illness)

Petr Mrazek — Out for season (lower‑body)

Jansen Harkins — Out (upper‑body)

Ross Johnston — Out (lower‑body)

Radko Gudas — Day‑to‑day (lower‑body)

Team Records & Statistical Profile

Anaheim Ducks (42‑33‑6)

Road record: 18‑20‑2

Penalties: 320 total (4.0 per game), 7th‑most in NHL

Recent scoring: 2.8 goals per game over last 10

Recent goals allowed: 3.7 per game over last 10

Nashville Predators (38‑33‑10)

Home record: 21‑16‑3

Goal differential: –24 (238 GF, 262 GA)

Recent scoring: 2.7 goals per game over last 10

Recent goals allowed: 2.6 per game over last 10

Recent Team Form

Predators — Last 10 Games: 4‑5‑1

Averaging 2.7 goals, allowing 2.6 goals

Coming off a 3–2 loss to San Jose, despite Luke Evangelista’s 2‑goal performance

Ducks — Last 10 Games: 2‑6‑2

Averaging 2.8 goals, allowing 3.7 goals

Struggling defensively and missing key depth pieces

Key Player Matchups

Nashville Predators

Ryan O’Reilly: 25 goals, 48 assists — primary two‑way driver

Steven Stamkos: 5 goals, 1 assist in last 10 — heating up at the right time

Anaheim Ducks

Cutter Gauthier: 40 goals, 28 assists — elite scoring threat

Leo Carlsson: 5 goals, 1 assist in last 10 — emerging as a secondary weapon

AccuScore Impact Players (Projected)

Filip Forsberg (NSH): 0.6 projected goals, 72% chance of 1+ points

Mason McTavish (ANA): 0.52 projected goals

Goalies:

Juuse Saros (NSH): 26 projected saves

Lukas Dostal (ANA): 24 projected saves

Series History

This is the third meeting of the season.

Predators lead the season series 1–0, including a 5–0 shutout win in the previous matchup.

Betting Trends

Anaheim Ducks

Road Over/Under: 24‑15 (62% Over)

Last 10: 2‑6‑2, allowing 3.7 goals per game

Record vs teams under .500: 24‑16 (60%)

Nashville Predators

Home Over/Under: 18‑23 (44% Over)

Last 10: 4‑5‑1, allowing only 2.6 goals per game

Record vs teams .500 or better: 16‑30 (35%)

Game Odds

Anaheim Ducks                 6.5

Nashville Predators        – 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, April 15, 2026

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NHL Editor
Profile: A seasoned NHL analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the league’s tactical systems, player‑development pipelines, and organizational strategies. This columnist provides in‑depth coverage that blends film study, advanced metrics, and historical context to explain how teams evolve across an 82‑game season and into the postseason. Background: With extensive experience covering professional hockey, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on roster construction, coaching trends, and league‑wide movement. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term competitive cycles across all NHL markets. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive, defensive, and special‑teams systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and trade‑deadline coverage Salary‑cap strategy, front‑office trends, and organizational philosophy Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex systems and statistical models into insights that resonate with both traditional hockey fans and analytically minded readers. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the NHL’s speed, physicality, and evolving style of play.