The Anaheim Ducks host the Nashville Predators at Honda Center on April 7, 2026, in a Western Conference matchup between two teams looking to regain momentum. Anaheim enter the game after several disappointing results despite maintaining a strong position in the standings, while Nashville arrive with slightly better recent form and an offense that has shown improvement in recent games. With both teams capable of scoring and struggling defensively at times, this matchup could produce an open, fast-paced contest.

Match Information

MatchAnaheim Ducks vs Nashville PredatorsDateApril 7, 2026Time10:00 PM ETVenueHonda Center, AnaheimBroadcastESPN+CompetitionNHL Regular Season

Team Records and Standings

TeamRecordPointsGoal DifferenceAnaheim Ducks41-31-587257-271 (-14)Nashville Predators36-31-1082233-256 (-23)

Anaheim are currently among the top teams in the Pacific Division standings, while Nashville remain in the playoff race but need consistent results to climb higher.

Anaheim Ducks Preview

The Ducks come into this matchup during a difficult stretch. After previously enjoying a winning run, Anaheim have now lost five consecutive games. Defensive problems have been the main issue, as the team continues to allow too many goals despite maintaining a capable offense.

In their most recent game, Anaheim lost 5-3 to the Calgary Flames. The Ducks managed to keep the game close early, but defensive mistakes allowed Calgary to take control later in the match.

Even with the current slump, Anaheim still possess attacking quality. Leo Carlsson has continued to contribute offensively, and the team can still generate chances when playing at a high tempo.

Ducks Recent Games

DateOpponentResultApr 5Calgary FlamesLoss 3-5Apr 4St. Louis BluesLoss 2-6Apr 2San Jose SharksLoss 3-4Mar 31Toronto Maple LeafsLoss 4-5Mar 29Edmonton OilersLoss 2-4

Despite the losing streak, Anaheim have still managed to score goals in several of these games, highlighting the team’s attacking potential.

Nashville Predators Preview

The Predators have produced mixed results recently but appear more stable compared to their opponents. Nashville lost their most recent game 3-2 in a shootout against the Los Angeles Kings, but they had previously recorded impressive victories including a 6-3 win over San Jose.

Nashville thrive in high-tempo matches where quick transitions and offensive pressure create scoring chances. Players such as Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos have been particularly effective in the attacking zone, contributing important goals and assists.

However, Nashville have struggled on the road this season and have found it difficult to secure regulation wins away from home.

Predators Recent Games

DateOpponentResultApr 7Los Angeles KingsLoss 2-3 (SO)Apr 5San Jose SharksWin 6-3Apr 3Los Angeles KingsWin 5-4 (SO)Mar 30Tampa Bay LightningLoss 2-3Mar 29Montreal CanadiensLoss 1-4

The Predators have demonstrated that they can produce goals, particularly when games open up into fast offensive exchanges.

Head-to-Head Record

DateMatchResultOct 22, 2025Nashville vs AnaheimDucks won 5-2Mar 21, 2025Nashville vs AnaheimDucks won 4-1Mar 15, 2025Anaheim vs NashvilleDucks won 2-1

Anaheim have enjoyed strong results in this matchup historically and have won several recent meetings against Nashville.

Projected Lineups

Nashville Predators

PositionPlayersLine 1Zachary L’Heureux – Ryan O’Reilly – Steven StamkosLine 2Filip Forsberg – Matthew Wood – Jonathan MarchessaultLine 3Tyson Jost – Erik Haula – Luke EvangelistaLine 4Reid Schaefer – Fedor Svechkov – Joakim KemellDefenseBrady Skjei – Roman JosiDefenseAdam Wilsby – Nick PerbixDefenseRyan Ufko – Justin BarronGoaliesJustus Annunen / Juuse Saros

Anaheim Ducks

PositionPlayersLine 1Mikael Granlund – Leo Carlsson – Beckett SenneckeLine 2Chris Kreider – Ryan Poehling – Troy TerryLine 3Alex Killorn – Mason McTavish – Jeffrey VielLine 4Frank Vatrano – Tim Washe – Ian MooreDefenseJackson LaCombe – Jacob TroubaDefensePavel Mintyukov – John CarlsonDefenseTyson Hinds – Drew HellesonGoaliesLukas Dostal / Ville Husso

Key Players to Watch

Anaheim Ducks

PlayerRecent ContributionLeo Carlsson3 points in last 5 gamesMikael GranlundPlaymaking role in top lineTroy TerryKey offensive threat

Carlsson continues to lead Anaheim’s attacking efforts and remains a crucial figure for the team.

Nashville Predators

PlayerRecent ContributionFilip Forsberg7 points in last 5 gamesSteven Stamkos3 goals recentlyRyan O’Reilly4 points in last 5 games

Nashville’s experienced forwards give them strong scoring potential, especially in high-tempo games.

Goaltending Comparison

TeamGoalkeeperKey NumbersAnaheim DucksLukas Dostal3.09 GAA, .890 SV%Nashville PredatorsJuuse Saros3.11 GAA, .895 SV%

Both teams have experienced inconsistent goaltending, which could allow multiple scoring opportunities in this matchup.

Injury Report

TeamPlayerStatusAnaheim DucksCutter GauthierOutAnaheim DucksRoss JohnstonOutAnaheim DucksRadko GudasOutAnaheim DucksJansen HarkinsOutNashville PredatorsNicolas HagueOut

Anaheim have several injuries in the lineup, which has affected their defensive stability in recent games.

Best Betting Picks

PickReasonOver 6.5 GoalsBoth teams involved in high-scoring gamesLeo Carlsson Anytime GoalKey offensive player for AnaheimSteven Stamkos Anytime GoalStrong scoring form recently

The defensive struggles on both sides make a high-scoring game a realistic outcome.

Ducks vs Predators Match Prediction

Anaheim Ducks remain a dangerous team offensively but must correct their defensive issues if they want to end their losing streak. Playing at home could provide a much-needed boost for the team.

Nashville Predators appear slightly more balanced at the moment and have several experienced scorers who can take advantage of defensive mistakes.

If the game opens up early, both teams could produce multiple goals.

Predicted Score

TeamPredicted GoalsAnaheim Ducks4Nashville Predators3

Anaheim Ducks may narrowly secure a win in a competitive and high-scoring contest.

How to Watch Ducks vs Predators

PlatformDetailsTV ChannelESPN+VenueHonda Center, AnaheimStart Time10:00 PM ET

Fans can watch the matchup live on ESPN+ as both teams compete for important Western Conference points.

FAQs

When is Ducks vs Predators NHL game?

The game will be played on April 7, 2026 at 10:00 PM ET.

Where is the Ducks vs Predators game taking place?

The match will be held at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Which team is in better form?

Nashville Predators have shown slightly better recent performances, while Anaheim are trying to end a losing streak.

Who are the key players in this matchup?

Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos lead the Predators attack, while Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry are important players for Anaheim.

What is the predicted result?

The game is expected to be close, with Anaheim Ducks slightly favored to win at home.