The Anaheim Ducks delivered an impressive performance on Saturday night, with Mason McTavish at the forefront, as they defeated the Nashville Predators 5-2. This victory not only halted Nashville's five-game winning streak but also showcased McTavish's exceptional form, scoring two goals for the second consecutive game.
McTavish's Rising Star
Mason McTavish, increasingly becoming a pivotal player for the Ducks, has scored five of his total 11 goals for the season in just the last three games. In what could have been a career highlight, McTavish narrowly missed a hat trick when his shot at an empty net in the final seconds of the game went wide.
Trevor Zegras, fresh off his recovery from right knee surgery, contributed significantly to the game. In addition to a goal, he provided an assist, marking his third point in as many games since his return. Meanwhile, Jansen Harkins demonstrated excellent timing, scoring a crucial goal by capitalizing on a rebound that put the Ducks ahead 3-2 midway through the second period.
Goalie Shuffle: Dostal Steps Up
The Ducks faced a goalie shuffle early on when John Gibson had to leave the game due to an upper-body injury, having made nine saves. Lukas Dostal then took to the ice for the remaining duration, making 31 impressive saves and ensuring the Ducks' defensive resilience throughout.
Predators' Streak Ends
The Predators witnessed their solid performance streak come to a halt despite Filip Forsberg extending his point streak to an impressive 10 games. The duo of Gustav Nyquist and Ryan O'Reilly found the net for Nashville, but it was ultimately insufficient against a determined Anaheim side. Juuse Saros was formidable in goal, saving 30 shots, yet the Ducks managed to pull through.
Nashville's history-making pair, Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault, now boast one of the best teammate point streaks the franchise has seen, drawing comparisons with Roman Josi and Matt Duchene’s streaks from the 2021-22 season.
Looking Forward
This win propelled Anaheim to reach their 20th win in just 49 games, demonstrating a considerable improvement in pace compared to the previous season. As the Ducks gear up for their next matchup against Seattle, they carry the momentum of breaking a winning streak and will aim to continue their progress.
Meanwhile, the Predators will be looking to regroup and strategize as they prepare to face the Vancouver Canucks. The upcoming games will continue to test team dynamics and individual prowess as the season unfolds.
