ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Ducks clinched a 2-1 victory against the Nashville Predators on Friday night, powered by a decisive goal from Alex Killorn midway through the third period. With 8:40 remaining in regulation time, Killorn capitalized on a brilliant assist from Trevor Zegras to break the deadlock, marking his 15th goal of the season. Goaltender Lukas Dostal was instrumental in Anaheim’s win, making 28 stops, while Troy Terry also contributed a goal to the victory — only the Ducks’ second in their last six games. Dostal’s performance secured his 20th win of the current season.
For the Predators, Jakub Vrana found the net with a power-play goal just over four minutes into the third period. This equalizer came on a one-timer from the high slot, which, after an initial grab attempt by Dostal, slipped through to cross the goal line. Unfortunately, despite the Predators’ league-leading shot count, including a 29-15 edge in the game and having 23 Ducks’ shots blocked, it wasn’t enough to extend their four-game winning streak. Nashville’s Juuse Saros made 13 saves during the match.
Terry’s early efforts had put the Ducks ahead in the second period, scoring with a well-placed shot following an assist from Frank Vatrano. Terry sent the puck over Predators defenseman Justin Barron, eluding Saros in the process.
In terms of the broader standings, the Predators entered the match having won five of their previous seven games, yet they remain distant from playoff contention in the Western Conference. This loss in Anaheim also dropped Nashville’s road record to a challenging 8-22-4. Meanwhile, the Ducks’ hard-fought win improved their recent record to 4-6-1, pulling them within four points of a Western Conference wild card spot.
The key to Anaheim’s winning play was a coordinated offensive maneuver, where Leo Carlsson initiated a pass that reached Zegras, who then delivered a behind-the-back assist to Killorn, ultimately leading to the decisive goal. This intricate play unfolded despite the presence of Brady Skjei, who was stationed in front of Saros.
As the teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, the Predators will face the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, while the Ducks are set to travel to St. Louis on Sunday.
