Ducks and Predators Aim for Steady Momentum in Early Season Clash

The Anaheim Ducks are showing promising signs as they strive to return to playoff contention in the NHL. However, they are still a work in progress.

The Ducks aim to advance their development when they visit the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night, the second stop in their five-game road trip.

In the trip’s opener, Anaheim fell to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday evening. They tied the game with only 36 seconds left in regulation but lost 2-1 in overtime.

The Blackhawks didn’t manage to score until almost halfway through the third period. This game marked the fifth straight this season where the Ducks conceded the first goal.

“Taking the lead has been elusive for us,” said Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville.

Quenneville emphasized the need for more consistent play within his system, one that helped the Blackhawks clinch Stanley Cup titles in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

“We’re a young team adjusting to a new style,” Quenneville observed. “I’m optimistic because we have a competitive group eager to improve and stay grounded.”

Anaheim defenseman Jackson LaCombe echoed a positive outlook, stating, “We’re determined to win. We just need to start faster and sharper to see better results.”

The Predators are looking to break a three-game losing streak as they kick off a five-game homestand against the Ducks.

They concluded their four-game Canadian road trip with a 4-1 loss against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.

Nashville has managed two goals or fewer in four of their six games this season.

“You have to score to win in this league,” said Predators defenseman Roman Josi.

The Predators may face the Ducks without one of their top offensive players, forward Jonathan Marchessault. He was a late scratch before the game against the Jets and is listed as day-to-day due to a lower-body injury.

Post-game, Nashville coach Andrew Brunette offered no update on Marchessault, who notched 21 goals for the Predators last season, half of his total the previous year with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Brunette also called for stronger game openings.

Nashville forward Steven Stamkos incurred a hooking penalty one minute into the game against the Jets, who capitalized on the power play to seize an early lead.

The score was 4-0 before Michael Bunting finally put Nashville on the board with just over a minute remaining.

This game marked the second instance in three outings where the Predators trailed 2-0 after the first period.

“We need a timely start,” Brunette insisted. “When we play true to our identity, we find success.”

Field Level Media

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