The Anaheim Ducks (29-32-8) travel to face off against the Nashville Predators (25-34-8) on Thursday, March 20th. This game will be played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville and televised on ESPN+. The Predators are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Ducks are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Blackhawks. Puck drop is set for 8:00 ET.

Ducks vs Predators

The Anaheim Ducks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Ducks fell to 29-32-8 with a 4-2 loss to the Blackhawks. Anaheim entered the game as -1.5 goal favorites, failing to cover the puck line. The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 6 fell just short.

Anaheim’s defense struggled early, allowing two goals in the first period. They trailed 3-0 before finally scoring at 9:44 in the third. The Ducks added another goal at 19:56, but it was too late to mount a comeback.

The Nashville Predators Are Coming Off A Win

The Predators picked up their 25th win of the season, beating the Avalanche 5-2. Nashville covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 7 goals went over the pre-game line of 6.5 goals.

All five of Nashville’s goals came from different players, with the Avalanche scoring first at 17:06 in the second period. The Predators responded with five unanswered goals to improve their record to 25-34-8.

Anaheim Offense Breakdown

Anaheim fired 39 shots on goal, but only managed to score twice in their 4-2 loss to Chicago. Brock McGinn netted his second goal of the season, while Mason McTavish added his second on a power play with just four seconds left in the game.

Ross Johnston picked up his first assist of the season on McGinn’s goal, and Troy Terry and Ryan Strome were credited with assists on McTavish’s power-play goal. The Ducks were held scoreless until the 9:44 mark of the third period and had 16 giveaways.

Predators Offense Breakdown

After a scoreless first period, the Predators got on the board with Steven Stamkos’ second goal of the season, followed by Colton Sissons’ first. Roman Josi added his first goal of the year on a power play in the third period.

Filip Forsberg netted his seventh goal on an empty net, while Gustav Nyquist scored his fourth, also on an empty net. Nashville took 25 shots on goal and recorded 15 giveaways.

Anaheim Team Defense

Defensively, Anaheim will look to improve after allowing the first three goals in their previous game against Chicago. The Ducks also gave up a late goal at 17:43 in the 3rd period, which put the game out of reach. Lukas Dostal made 25 saves with a save percentage of 86.2%. The Ducks’ defense recorded 6 takeaways and 15 hits.

Nashville Team Defense

On the defensive side, Nashville allowed the first goal 2:54 into the second period and another late in the third, but they held firm otherwise, securing a 5-2 win over the Avalanche. Juuse Saros recorded 29 saves with a 93.5% save percentage, while the Predators’ defense added 4 takeaways and 23 hits.

Ducks vs Predators Trends

• Across their last three road contests, Anaheim has a 2-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 0-3, while averaging 2 goals per game.
• When looking at their past ten home matchups, Nashville has an puck line record of 4-6 while averaging 2 per game. The team went 5-5 overall in these games.
• Going back to their previous three games as the underdog, Nashville has an puck line mark of 2-1 while going 1-2 straight up.
• Looking back on the team’s last three games as the favorite, the Ducks have a straight up record of 1-2. Their record vs the puck line in these games was 1-2.

Ducks vs Predators Prediction

When it comes to a moneyline bet in this game, our analysis leans towards the Predators picking up the win. However, given the current odds of -171, I’d advise going with the puck line, as our predictions have the Predators coming out on top by more than one goal.

When making a puck line pick, we’re backing the Predators to win and cover. Watch for the Predators to win this game by multiple goals over the Ducks.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 5.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.