Nashville Predators 1, Anaheim Ducks 2: Shootout, Powerplay Shut Down

Monday night the Predators fell to the Anaheim Ducks in a shootout 2-1. Despite Pekka Rinne standing on his head all night, the offense and power play could not help him out, while the Ducks gifted penalty after penalty to the Predators.

The Predators seemed to have a hard time getting going, relying on a lot of individual efforts to move the puck forward instead of team play. Heavy hits and dirty play behind the referee’s back was prevalent too, as Ryan Kesler continued to be the perpetual pest in the Predators’ sides.

In the second period the game stayed the same, but with bigger hits. Kevin Fiala was demolished in open ice, leading Zac Rinaldo to take down Josh Manson, who was sort of the…