The Nashville Predators defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4–2, celebrating their sixth consecutive win. The victory also completed a Southern California sweep across two games on back-to-back nights. For Anaheim, it meant the end of a five-game winning streak.
An evenly matched opening period
The Ducks got off to the better start, taking the lead in the first period through Cutter Gauthier. The forward extended his scoring streak with his 16th goal of the season, assisted by Mikael Granlund. Gauthier has now found the back of the net in seven straight games, tallying 14 goals during that stretch.
Nashville responded quickly. Jayden Struble fired a wrist shot to level the score at 1–1, with Shane Wright freeing up the puck and setting up the pass to Struble. The period ended with the game tied.
Nils Hoglander puts Nashville in front
Nashville remained dangerous in the second period and took the lead for the first time. Nils Hoglander scored a spectacular between-the-legs goal, sliding the puck past Laurent Brossoit with an audacious finish. Jayden Struble earned the assist on the play.
The Predators carried that lead into the second intermission. Goaltender Justus Annunen stood tall in net, turning aside 27 shots — his fourth consecutive winning start.
Shane Wright and Steven Stamkos seal the win
Nashville extended their lead in the third period. Shane Wright pounced on a rebound after a shot from Roman Josi was redirected by Nils Hoglander. It was Wright's first goal in a Predators jersey — the 22-year-old was playing just his fifth game for Nashville after the Predators recently acquired him from Seattle.
Anaheim pulled one back through Mikael Granlund, who converted a one-timer off a feed from Beckett Sennecke and D. Helleson to close the gap. The Ducks drew nearer, but Nashville restored their two-goal cushion shortly after. Steven Stamkos scored the late insurance goal, with Roman Josi picking up the assist.
Josi's assist on Wright's goal also marked a personal milestone. The Predators captain registered his 800th NHL career point, becoming the 21st defenceman in NHL history to reach that mark — and the first Swiss-born player ever to do so. Nashville held off any further threat and closed out the game, winning 4–2.
Implications for both teams
Nashville extended their winning streak and completed the Southern California sweep. For Anaheim, the defeat ended not only their winning run but also a remarkable scoring streak: the Ducks had scored at least five goals in each of their previous eight games. In this contest, their offence was held to just two.
