Predators Defeat Ducks In Overtime Thriller, Shake Up NHL Playoff Race
Predators Defeat Ducks In Overtime Thriller, Shake Up NHL Playoff Race...
The Nashville Predators edged out the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in overtime Tuesday night, delivering a pivotal win that tightens the Western Conference playoff race. Filip Forsberg scored the game-winner 2:18 into OT, snapping a four-game losing streak for Nashville and dealing a blow to Anaheim's postseason hopes.
The matchup is trending nationally as both teams fight for wild card positioning with just two weeks left in the regular season. Nashville (87 points) now sits one point behind Vegas for the final playoff spot, while Anaheim (83 points) faces steeper odds after their third straight loss.
Goaltender Juuse Saros made 34 saves for the Predators, including a spectacular glove stop on Troy Terry in the final minute of regulation. "We needed this one bad," Saros told reporters postgame. "Every point matters right now."
The game drew particular attention for a controversial no-call in the third period when Ducks forward Mason McTavish appeared to trip Roman Josi on a breakaway. Anaheim coach Greg Cronin called it "a game-changing miss" by officials during his tense postgame press conference.
With the win, Nashville improves to 5-1 against Anaheim this season. Both teams face critical matchups Thursday - the Predators host St. Louis while the Ducks visit Colorado. According to MoneyPuck analytics, Nashville now has a 68% chance to make the playoffs, while Anaheim's odds dropped to 22%.
The physical game featured 47 combined hits and three fights, including a second-period bout between Nashville's Michael McCarron and Anaheim's Ross Johnston that energized the Bridgestone Arena crowd. "That's playoff hockey in April," Predators captain Roman Josi said. "Every shift feels like it could decide your season."
Tuesday's result marks the first time since 2016 that both franchises are battling for playoff spots this late in the season. The Ducks haven't reached the postseason since 2018, while Nashville aims to avoid missing consecutive playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Social media reaction focused on Forsberg's OT heroics, with the goal trending nationally on Twitter. The Swedish winger now has 42 goals this season, tying his career high. "Fil's been our MVP all year," said Predators coach Andrew Brunette. "When we need a big play, he delivers."
Ticket resale prices for Nashville's remaining home games have spiked 37% since Tuesday's win according to TickPick data, reflecting renewed fan optimism. Meanwhile in Anaheim, talk radio hosts debated whether the Ducks should prioritize developing young players over chasing an unlikely playoff berth.
The teams meet one final time on April 18 in what could be an elimination game for Anaheim. With 12 total games remaining between the two clubs, every shift will carry playoff-level intensity as the regular season winds down.
