SB Nation Los Angeles - Ducks Lose Game 6, 4-2, Preds Win Serieshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48949/la-fave.png2011-04-24T18:59:40-07:00http://losangeles.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18666932011-04-24T18:59:40-07:002011-04-24T18:59:40-07:00Ducks Vs. Predators, Game 6: Anaheim Loses To Nashville, 4-2, Lose Series
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<p>Nashville, TN (Sports Network) – <span>Nick Spaling</span> scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a> won their first playoff series in franchise history with a 4-2 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> in Game 6 of this Western Conference quarterfinal.</p>
<p>Spaling also lit the lamp in the first period for the Predators, who won in overtime in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead. <span>Steve Sullivan</span> and <span>David Legwand</span> also scored.</p>
<p><span>Pekka Rinne</span> made 25 saves for Nashville, which entered the <span class="caps">NHL</span> as an expansion club in 1998.</p>
<p>The Predators also won the sixth game of a series for the first time, while the Ducks fell to 7-2 all-time in Game 6s.</p>
<p><span>Teemu Selanne</span> and <span>Jason Blake</span> found the back of the net for the Ducks, who got 26 saves from <span>Ray Emery</span>.</p>
<p>With the score tied at 2-2, Nashville had a goal waved off 1:53 into the third. A shot from the left point was deflected in by <span>Patric Hornqvist</span>, but his stick was above the crossbar. The refs confirmed it was no goal after a review.</p>
<p>The Bridgestone Arena crowd got to cheer for real at the 4:53 mark. <span>Jordin Tootoo</span> charged down the left side of the ice and made his way in front of Emery, who poked the puck away. Spaling was right there to put the puck into the back of the net.</p>
<p>The Ducks went on the power play at the 7:48 mark, but Rinne kept it a 3-2 game.</p>
<p>Anaheim pulled Emery with about 1 1/2 minutes to play for the extra attacker. The Ducks, though, were called for a penalty in the final 38 seconds.</p>
<p>Legwand scored on the empty net to send the fourth-seeded Ducks packing.</p>
<p>Selanne kept his stellar play in the postseason going with a goal at the 10:22 mark of the first period. The 40-year-old winger carried the puck around the net and beat Rinne with a backhander for his sixth goal of the series.</p>
<p>The Ducks seemed to be in prime position to win, considering the team who scored the first goal won each of the previous five games.</p>
<p>The Predators made it a 1-1 game with 27.9 seconds to go in the opening frame. Anaheim turned the puck over behind its own net and Tootoo found the loose disc. He made a nice pass to the slot for Spaling, whose wrister beat Emery.</p>
<p>Sullivan put Nashville ahead at the 3:29 mark of the middle stanza. <span>J.P. Dumont</span> led a charge into the Anaheim zone and passed to his right. Sullivan gathered the puck, made a nice move in front, and slid a backhander past Emery.</p>
<p>The Ducks converted on their first power play of the game to make it a 2-2 contest. <span>Bobby Ryan</span> fired a shot on net from the top of the left circle that Blake deflected past Rinne.</p>
<p>Game Notes</p>
<p>The Ducks got forward <span>Jarkko Ruutu</span> back after he served a one-game suspension for an illegal hit on Nashville’s <span>Martin Erat</span>…Erat missed his second straight game with an upper body injury suffered on the hit.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/24/2130995/ducks-vs-predators-game-6-anaheim-loses-to-nashville-4-2-lose-seriesJulio Nievas2011-04-22T22:28:49-07:002011-04-22T22:28:49-07:00Ducks Vs. Predators, Game 5: Anaheim Suffers Heartbreaking 4-3 Home Loss In Overtime
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<p><font size="2"> Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - <span>Shea Weber</span> tied the game with 35.3 seconds left in regulation and <span>Jerred Smithson</span> won it 1:57 into overtime to give the Nashville <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Predators</a> a 4-3 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> in Game 5 of a Western Conference quarterfinal series. In the final minute of regulation with <span>Pekka Rinne</span> on the bench, a left-circle faceoff in the Anaheim end was won by <span>Mike Fisher</span>. The puck went back to the right side for Cody Franson, who sent it over to the left and Weber's successful one-timer forced a fourth period. </font></p>
<p><font size="2"> In the extra session, <span>Nick Spaling</span> kept the puck in at the left point and sent it down low for <span>Jordin Tootoo</span>, who threw it to the front where a streaking Smithson one-timed it home. <span>Kevin Klein</span> and <span>Joel Ward</span> also had goals for the Predators, who lead the best- of-seven series 3-2 and can claim the first-ever series victory for the franchise on Sunday at home in Game 6. </font></p>
<p><font size="2">Rinne, who was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy earlier on Friday, stopped 23 shots in the win. Jason Blake scored twice while <span>Bobby Ryan</span>, who missed the past two games due to a suspension, notched the other goal for the Ducks, who got two assists from <span>Saku Koivu</span>. <span>Ray Emery</span> made 33 saves in the setback. </font></p>
<p><i>For more news and information on this first round NHL playoff series, be sure to stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more news about the Ducks, be sure to read the SB Nation blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Calling</a>.</i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/22/2128314/ducks-vs-predators-game-5-2011-nhl-playoffs-shea-weber-jerred-smithsonEric Stephen2011-04-22T21:50:54-07:002011-04-22T21:50:54-07:002011 NHL Playoffs, Ducks Vs. Predators: Game 5 Headed To Overtime In Anaheim
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<p><span>Shea Weber</span> of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a> scored the game-tying goal with 35.3 seconds remaining in the third period, sending Game 5 of the NHL Western Conference quarterfinals with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> into overtime at Honda Center. This is the first overtime game of the series. So far in the game, the Predators lead in shots on goal, 34-26.</p>
<p><span>Jason Blake</span> scored two goals for Anaheim, including the go-ahead tally with under six minutes remaining, giving the Ducks a 3-2 lead, but Nashville was able to tied the game after pulling goaltender <span>Pekka Rinne</span> in the final minute. <span>Bobby Ryan</span>, in his first game back after getting suspended for Games 3 and 4, also scored a goal for the Ducks. <span>Saku Koivu</span> has two assists.</p>
<p>The Ducks were 13-3-2 in overtime this season.</p>
<p><i>For more news and information on this first round NHL playoff series, be sure to stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more news about the Ducks, be sure to read the SB Nation blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Calling</a>.</i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/22/2128256/2011-nhl-playoffs-ducks-vs-predators-game-5-overtime-shea-weber-jason-blakeEric Stephen2011-04-22T18:30:25-07:002011-04-22T18:30:25-07:002011 NHL Playoffs, First Round: Ducks Vs. Predators Game 5 Preview
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> worked hard all season to get home ice advantage in their first-round NHL playoff series, and they hope to use that advantage Friday night, hosting the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a> in Game 5 at Honda Center. The Ducks will be without <span>Jarkko Ruutu</span>, who <a target="_blank" href="http://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/21/2125966/ducks-vs-predators-jarkko-ruutu-suspended-game-5-hit-penalty-martin-erat">was suspended for his hit on <span class="sbn-auto-link">Martin Erat</span> in Game 4</a>. However, the Ducks will get <span>Bobby Ryan</span> back after the forward served his two-game suspension.</p>
<p>"It's always nice when you get home ice advantage back and when you get one of your top guys back, too," <span>Corey Perry</span> told <a target="_blank" href="http://ducks.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2010030185&navid=DL%7CANA%7Chome">NHL.com</a>. "It's nice to have [Ryan] back and we've just got to be ready to play." Game 5 has a start time of 7 p.m. PDT, and will be televised by Prime Ticket.</p>
<p>Rather than talk of suspensions, or suspicions of diving, Arthur of Anaheim Calling chose to focus on actual hockey. He noted that goalie <span>Jonas Hiller</span>, though now out with vertigo, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/2011/4/22/2127566/open-gameday-thread-predators-ducks">was still a huge part of getting Anaheim to where they are tonight</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Here's a Ducks team that could barely stay competitive without Jonas bailing them out of 40+ shots-allowed efforts, a team that was severely lacking in chemistry and consistency. Make no mistake, they didn't get here without him. Hiller could not be there for the stretch run, but he stole wins that made the last minute comebacks to end the season relevant. They haven't been better off without his contributions.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>For more news and information about the Ducks, or about this first round playoff series, be sure to read the SB Nation blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Calling</a>.</i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/22/2128019/2011-nhl-playoffs-first-round-ducks-vs-predators-game-5-previewEric Stephen2011-04-21T18:31:28-07:002011-04-21T18:31:28-07:00Ducks Vs. Predators: Jarkko Ruutu Suspended For Game 5 For Hit On Martin Erat
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<p>When the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> return home Friday night for Game 5 of their first-round NHL playoff series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a>, they will get back forward <span>Bobby Ryan</span>, who was suspended for Games 3 and 4. However, Anaheim will be without forward <span>Jarkko Ruutu</span>, as he was suspended for Game 5, for delivering a late hit in Game 4 to Predators' forward <span>Martin Erat</span>. Ruutu was assessed a minor penalty for interference on this play:</p>
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<p>"To me it's absurd that there's even mention of a hearing when a guy has a shoulder-on-shoulder bodycheck and the player passes the puck and they're saying it's so many tenths of a second that they allow," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle told the <a target="_blank" href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/04/ducks-jarkko-ruutu-gets-one-game-suspension.html">Los Angeles Times</a>. "That this was two-tenths or three-tenths of a second past the allowable point, it's kind of mindboggling at times."</p>
<p>Erat did not join Nashville on their trip to Anaheim for Game 5. Game 5 has a start time of 7 p.m. PDT, and will be televised by Prime Ticket.</p>
<p><i>For more news and information about the Ducks, or about this first round playoff series, be sure to read the SB Nation blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Calling</a>.</i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/21/2125966/ducks-vs-predators-jarkko-ruutu-suspended-game-5-hit-penalty-martin-eratEric Stephen2011-04-20T21:00:01-07:002011-04-20T21:00:01-07:002011 NHL Playoffs: Ducks Beat Predators 6-3 In Game 4, Even First Round Series
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<p><font size="2"> Nashville, TN (Sports Network) - <span>Corey Perry</span>'s short-handed goal ignited a three-goal third period and staked Anaheim to a 6-3 decision over Nashville in Game 4 of this Western Conference quarterfinal from Bridgestone Arena. Ryan Getzlaf and <span>Brandon McMillan</span> also lit the lamp in the final 20 minutes for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Ducks</a>, who rebounded from a one-goal setback on Sunday. </font></p>
<p><font size="2"> Cam Fowler, <span>Saku Koivu</span> and <span>Teemu Selanne</span> also scored to back 19 saves by <span>Ray Emery</span>. Patric Hornqvist, <span>Joel Ward</span> and Matt Halischuk provided the offense for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Predators</a>. <span>Pekka Rinne</span> allowed all six goals on 29 shots before being pulled late. <span>Anders Lindback</span> finished the contest with nine stops. Game 5 shifts back to southern California on Friday, and will be a 7 p.m. PDT start, televised by Prime Ticket. </font></p>
<p><i>For more news and information about the Ducks, or about this first round playoff series, be sure to read the SB Nation blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Calling</a>.</i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/20/2124123/2011-nhl-playoffs-ducks-vs-predators-game-4-first-roundEric Stephen2011-04-20T09:28:31-07:002011-04-20T09:28:31-07:002011 NHL Playoffs First Round: Ducks Vs. Predators Game 4 Preview
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> need a road win Wednesday night in Game 4 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to even their first round NHL Stanley Cup playoff series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a>. The Ducks will be without <span>Bobby Ryan</span> for one more game, as he is still serving his suspension stemming from stepping on the Predators' <span>Jonathon Blum</span> in Game 2. Wednesday's Game 4 starts at 5:30 p.m. PDT and will be televised by KDOC.</p>
<p><span>Teemu Selanne</span> scored two goals in Sunday's Game 3 loss in Nashville, but was livid after the loss. "I felt that last night we didn’t … I hate to say it, but it looked like we didn’t want it. As a professional athlete, that’s the worst thing you can really say," Selanne <a target="_blank" href="http://ducks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=560131">said on Monday</a>. "We all can do better. I can’t say one guy who can honestly say he played his best. If you can’t do that, you can’t win games at this level."</p>
<p>Daniel at Anaheim Calling thinks <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/2011/4/17/2117445/ultimate-goal">the Ducks need to go on the offensive to win Game 4</a>:</p>
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<p>I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but this might be one of those instances where the best defense is a good offense. The opposition can't score if they aren't in your zone. The Ducks need to tighten up their offensive zone play, and force the Preds to work for the puck.</p>
<p>It's time to bring Sexton into the lineup. Nashville's quick forecheck and counter attacking style needs speed to counter it. Sexton would provide a check against Nashville, by forcing them to respect his speed. He can force the defense back and let the trailers fill the gaps.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Anaheim goalie <span>Jonas Hiller</span>, who was an NHL All-Star this season, but has played only three games since February 1, <a target="_blank" href="http://ducks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=560295">was been sent back to Anaheim Tuesday</a> as he is still dealing with symptoms of vertigo.</p>
<p><i>For more news and information about the Ducks, or about this first round playoff series, be sure to read the SB Nation blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Calling</a>.</i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/20/2122706/2011-nhl-playoffs-first-round-ducks-vs-predators-game-4-previewEric Stephen2011-04-20T09:07:26-07:002011-04-20T09:07:26-07:002011 NHL Playoffs: Ducks Vs. Predators First Round Series Schedule
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<p>After falling on Sunday in Game 3 to fall behind 2-1 in the series, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Ducks</a> took to even their first round NHL playoff series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a> in Tennessee. Game 4 is Wednesday night at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The Ducks, who need a win to regain home ice advantage, will be without <span>Bobby Ryan</span> for one more game. Ryan was suspended for Games 3 and 4 for stepping on the foot of <span>Jonathon Blum</span> of the Predators in Game 2. Here is the remaining series schedule (all times PDT):</p>
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<b>Game 1</b>: <a target="_blank" href="http://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/13/2110360/2011-nhl-playoffs-first-round-ducks-vs-predators-game-1-mike-fisher">Predators 4, Ducks 1</a>
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<b>Game 2</b>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/events/77697/postgame">Ducks 5, Predators 3</a>
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<b>Game 3</b>: <a target="_blank" href="http://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/17/2117232/2011-nhl-playoffs-first-round-ducks-vs-predators-game-3-mike-fisher">Predators 4, Ducks 3</a>
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<b>Game 4</b>: Wednesday, April 20, at Nashville, 5:30 p.m. (KDOC)<br>
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<b>Game 5</b>: Friday, April 22, at Anaheim, 7 p.m. (Prime TIcket)<br>
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<b>Game 6*</b>: Sunday, April 24, at Nashville, TBD (Prime Ticket)<br>
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<b>Game 7*</b>: Tuesday, April 26, at Anaheim, TBD</li>
</ul>
<p><i>*if necessary</i></p>
<p><i>For more news and information about the Ducks, or about this first round playoff series, be sure to read the SB Nation blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Anaheim Calling</a>.</i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/anaheim-ducks/2011/4/20/2122674/2011-nhl-playoffs-ducks-vs-predators-first-round-series-scheduleEric Stephen