The Anaheim Ducks completed their third consecutive comeback victory in a 5-4 win over Nashville Friday night, extending a late-season run that has seen them defeat three playoff-contending teams in dramatic fashion. Troy Terry's power-play goal with 2:54 remaining capped another regulation-plus rally for a team that entered April with the NHL's worst record but has found momentum when it matters least for their draft position.
Mikael Granlund orchestrated the attack with three assists, setting up goals across all three periods as Anaheim overcame Nashville's special teams excellence through sustained pressure and opportunistic finishing. The Ducks' 40 shots overwhelmed a Predators team playing out the string after playoff elimination, though Nashville's power play kept them competitive by converting two of three opportunities.
The Comeback Pattern
This marks Anaheim's 26th comeback win of the season, matching a franchise record set during their 2007 Stanley Cup championship campaign. The pattern has become familiar during their recent surge - Cutter Gauthier opened the scoring just 1:36 into the game, but Nashville answered through Steven Stamkos and Filip Forsberg to take control.
Both Stamkos and Forsberg scored twice for the Predators, with Stamkos converting an even-strength chance in the first period and a power-play goal in the second, while Forsberg added a power-play goal and an even-strength marker. Their individual excellence highlighted Nashville's reliance on veteran production in a season that has fallen short of expectations.
Alex Killorn and Tristan Luneau provided Anaheim's response, with Granlund assisting on Killorn's second-period goal and Luneau's third-period equalizer. The Ducks maintained pressure despite trailing 4-3 entering the final frame. Luneau's third-period equalizer at 4:17, assisted by Granlund and Jeffrey Viel, set up Terry's decisive power-play conversion.
Special Teams Define the Flow
Nashville's power play operated at 66.7% efficiency, but their inability to stay disciplined created the opportunities that ultimately decided the game. The Predators took six penalties to Anaheim's three, including Tyson Jost's double-minor for high-sticking Terry that led directly to the game-winning goal.
"The four-minute power play was a turning point," Terry said after the game, according to NHL.com's official recap. His goal came during that extended man advantage, with assists from Granlund and Leo Carlsson completing the comeback.
Anaheim's power play converted just once on six opportunities, but the timing proved crucial. Their approach centered on creating volume rather than perfection, as their 40 shots represented a 19-shot advantage that Nashville couldn't overcome despite Juuse Saros' 35 saves.
Franchise Milestones Amid Development Focus
Gauthier's opening goal marked his 41st of the season, surpassing Teemu Selanne's mark for the 10th-highest single-season total in franchise history. The milestone represents a bright spot in what has otherwise been a development year for Anaheim, now 43-33-6 with 92 points through 82 games.
Luke Evangelista quietly contributed two assists for Nashville, helping set up goals by Forsberg and Stamkos in the second period. His secondary scoring provided crucial support, though not enough to prevent the Predators from falling to 38-34-10 with 86 points in their completed season.
John Carlson added two assists for Anaheim, contributing on goals by Gauthier and Killorn. His ability to create from the blue line complemented the Ducks' balanced attack, which saw eight different players record points.
The Broader Context
For Anaheim, these late victories provide momentum heading into next season while potentially affecting their draft lottery positioning. Their recent success against playoff-contending teams - following similar comeback wins over San Jose and Los Angeles - suggests their young core is developing the competitiveness that will define their next competitive window.
Nashville's season ends with disappointment after entering the year with playoff expectations. Their 23.1% power play percentage ranked among the league's best, but their inability to generate consistent even-strength offense left them dependent on special teams success. Friday's loss, where they managed just 21 shots despite strong goaltending from Saros, encapsulated those struggles.
The Predators' penalty troubles compounded their offensive limitations. Against a disciplined opponent capable of sustained pressure, their special teams dependency became a liability rather than an advantage.
Looking Forward
Anaheim's commitment to offensive pressure and territorial control provides a foundation for optimism despite their poor overall record. Their shot generation - 273 goals for in 82 games - suggests a team that creates opportunities even when results haven't followed consistently.
Nashville faces an offseason of evaluation after missing the playoffs with a veteran core that includes Stamkos, Forsberg, and an expensive supporting cast. Their 247 goals scored ranked among the league's lowest totals, highlighting the need for offensive additions to complement their strong goaltending and special teams.
The contrasting directions were evident Friday night. While Nashville played with pride but little urgency, Anaheim's desperation and energy created the shot-share advantage that decided the game. For a young team building toward future contention, these late-season victories provide valuable experience in high-pressure situations.