Pete Weber’s Postgame Report
Frederik Andersen made 27 saves in his 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs debut, and the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Nashville Predators 3-0 in Game 3 of their Western Conference First Round series at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday.
Andersen earned his second career playoff shutout and has a 15-7 postseason record. He started Game 3 after the Predators won the first two games at Honda Center with John Gibson in goal for the Ducks.
The Predators lead the best-of-7 series 2-1. Game 4 is Thursday in Nashville (8 p.m. ET; NHLN, FX-CA, TVA Sports 3, PRIME, FS-TN).
Jamie McGinn gave the Ducks a 1-0 lead at 10:05 of the first period, beating Pekka Rinne with a one-timer from the right circle. Predators defenseman Anthony Bitetto committed a turnover at the blue line to start the play. Chris Stewart controlled the puck and found Shawn Horcoff, who fed a wide-open McGinn.
Horcoff made his first appearance of the series, replacing Chris Wagner.
Rickard Rakell gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead at 11:33 of the second period on a redirection from the right circle. Defenseman Sami Vatanen made a hard pass from the point that Rakell redirected on the backhand through his legs past Rinne for his first goal.
Stewart made it 3-0 at 17:06, beating Rinne from the slot on a rebound. Center Ryan Getzlaf fed Stewart, whose original shot was stopped by Rinne. But Stewart was able to get to the rebound and backhand the puck past Rinne for his first goal.
Predators forward Craig Smith took two shifts in the first period and did not return. The Predators said Smith had a lower-body injury.
Nashville went 0-for-5 on the power play, managing seven shots on goal.
Game #4 is on Thursday night beginning at 7 PM. Thunder Radio will bring you all the action on the Fifth Third Bank/Nashville Predators Radio Network.
