Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the slate of games and give in depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. This edition features a Western Conference matchup as the Nashville Predators visit the Anaheim Ducks. With Stanley Cup Playoff positioning tightening and both teams fighting for meaningful points, this game carries clear implications. Don\u2019t forget to check out more NHL Predictions as we continue tracking the 2025\u201326 season.<\/p>\n
NHL Predictions: Nashville Predators vs Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n
2025\u201326 Season Series: ANA leads 1\u20130<\/p>\n
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | 7:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)<\/p>\n
How to Watch<\/a> \u2013 US TV: ESPN+, FDSNSO, Victory+, KCOP-13 | Canada TV: SN+<\/p>\n Location: Honda Center, Anaheim<\/p>\n Setting the Stage<\/p>\n Anaheim<\/a> enters at 41\u201331\u20135, while Nashville<\/a> sits at 36-31-10 in a matchup that carries real playoff weight.<\/p>\n Importantly, the Ducks have dropped five straight, but their underlying numbers suggest a different story. Meanwhile, the Predators arrive with stronger recent form, yet their overall profile remains more balanced than dominant.<\/p>\n Credit Image: \u00a9 Alex Cave\/ZUMA Press Wire<\/p>\n Furthermore, this is not a classic structure-versus-chaos matchup. Anaheim drives play at an elite level territorially, ranking near the top of the league in shot share and offensive zone time. However, that advantage has not consistently translated into results due to poor finishing and defensive lapses. On the other side, Nashville presents a more stable but less dynamic profile, sitting near league average in both offensive and defensive metrics. As a result, the game will hinge on whether Anaheim can finally convert its possession advantage into goals, or whether Nashville can exploit Anaheim\u2019s defensive vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n Nashville Predators Storyline<\/p>\n Nashville\u2019s identity in this matchup is defined by balance. The Predators do not dominate in any one area, but they avoid major weaknesses across the board. Meanwhile, their five-on-five offence ranks in the middle tier, generating a steady but unspectacular volume of chances.<\/p>\n Filip Forsberg<\/a> remains the focal point, consistently driving shot generation and finishing at a high rate. Additionally, Steven Stamkos<\/a> and Ryan O\u2019Reilly provide complementary scoring and experience, allowing Nashville to sustain offensive pressure in stretches. However, the Predators are not a high-volume team, and their ability to create offence can fluctuate depending on game state.<\/p>\n Defensively, Nashville sits closer to average than elite. They can contain play in structured sequences, but prolonged defensive zone time can expose gaps. If they keep this game controlled and limit Anaheim\u2019s possession time, they can remain competitive throughout.<\/p>\n Nashville goal!Scored by Roman Josi with 15:42 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Filip Forsberg and Erik Haula.Los Angeles: 2Nashville: 2#NSHvsLAK #GoKingsGo #Smashville<\/p>\n \u2014 NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-04-07T05:00:00.994881Z<\/a><\/p>\n Anaheim Ducks Storyline<\/p>\n Anaheim<\/a> presents one of the more unusual profiles in the league. The Ducks are an elite territorial team, ranking near the top in five-on-five shot generation and possession metrics. Meanwhile, they consistently control the flow of play through sustained offensive zone time.<\/p>\n However, results have lagged behind that process. Anaheim\u2019s finishing has been inconsistent, and defensive breakdowns have led to a higher goals-against rate than expected. As a result, games often remain closer than they should based on possession alone.<\/p>\n Leo Carlsson<\/a> continues to drive the offence, combining shot volume with strong puck control. Additionally, John Carlson<\/a> plays a central role in transition and on the power play, providing a consistent source of offence from the blue line. While Anaheim may not always convert efficiently, their ability to tilt the ice remains their biggest advantage.<\/p>\n If the Ducks maintain their territorial dominance and clean up defensive mistakes, they should control the game over time.<\/p>\n Anaheim goal!Scored by Beckett Sennecke with 09:49 remaining in the 1st period.Assisted by Jackson LaCombe and Jacob Trouba.Anaheim: 1Calgary: 0#CGYvsANA #FlyTogether #Flames<\/p>\n \u2014 NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-04-05T02:37:01.792871Z<\/a><\/p>\n The Model<\/p>\n The blended model continues to favour Anaheim, but with clear volatility baked in. The in-house model incorporates five-on-five performance, special teams, projected goaltending, and recent form.<\/p>\n Internally, Anaheim lands in the mid-to-high 50 percent range. Meanwhile, MoneyPuck<\/a> aligns closely, projecting the Ducks around 57 percent. HockeyStats<\/a> sits slightly lower, reinforcing that Nashville\u2019s balanced profile keeps this matchup competitive.<\/p>\n After adjusting for market pricing near the -140 range, fair odds still lean toward Anaheim. However, the gap is not large, and execution will ultimately determine the outcome.<\/p>\n NHL Prediction<\/p>\n This game is a test of whether process can finally translate into results. Anaheim should control possession and generate more sustained offensive pressure. Meanwhile, Nashville will look to capitalize on defensive mistakes and maintain efficiency in their chances.<\/p>\n However, the underlying edge remains with Anaheim. Their territorial dominance provides a repeatable advantage, and over a full game, that typically leads to better outcomes. If they limit defensive lapses, they should be able to convert enough chances to secure the win.<\/p>\n Prediction: Ducks win 4\u20132 (Model Probability: ~56\u201358%)<\/p>\n 2025\u201326 Season Prediction Record: 16\u201316<\/p>\n Prop Bets of the Night<\/p>\n This matchup sets up for volume-driven production from Anaheim\u2019s top players. First, Leo Carlsson over 0.5 goals (+165) is an intriguing play on the board. His role as a primary driver of offence and Anaheim\u2019s ability to sustain possession create a strong foundation for shot volume.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Filip Forsberg over 2.5 shots (-155) provides a reliable counter on the Nashville side. As the focal point of the Predators\u2019 offence, Forsberg continues to generate attempts consistently, particularly in competitive matchups.<\/p>\n For a complementary angle, John Carlson to record a point (-145) remains a strong option. His involvement in transition and on the power play ensures steady offensive opportunities, especially against a defence that can be pressured over time.<\/p>\n Together, these plays reflect a game script where Anaheim controls possession, while Nashville relies on its top-end talent to generate offence in response.<\/p>\n 2025\u201326 Season Betting Record: 39\u201330 (+11.03 units)<\/p>\n Projected lineups and starting goaltenders are based on available information at the time of writing. Please check official team sources prior to placing any wagers.<\/p>\n Main Photo: Ryan Sun-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions. 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