The Anaheim Ducks host the Nashville Predators at Honda Center on April 7, 2026, in a Western Conference matchup between two teams looking to regain momentum. Anaheim enter the game after several disappointing results despite maintaining a strong position in the standings, while Nashville arrive with slightly better recent form and an offense that has shown improvement in recent games. With both teams capable of scoring and struggling defensively at times, this matchup could produce an open, fast-paced contest.
Match Information
| Match | Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators |
|---|---|
| Date | April 7, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Honda Center, Anaheim |
| Broadcast | ESPN+ |
| Competition | NHL Regular Season |
Team Records and Standings
| Team | Record | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | 41-31-5 | 87 | 257-271 (-14) |
| Nashville Predators | 36-31-10 | 82 | 233-256 (-23) |
Anaheim are currently among the top teams in the Pacific Division standings, while Nashville remain in the playoff race but need consistent results to climb higher.
Anaheim Ducks Preview
The Ducks come into this matchup during a difficult stretch. After previously enjoying a winning run, Anaheim have now lost five consecutive games. Defensive problems have been the main issue, as the team continues to allow too many goals despite maintaining a capable offense.
In their most recent game, Anaheim lost 5-3 to the Calgary Flames. The Ducks managed to keep the game close early, but defensive mistakes allowed Calgary to take control later in the match.
Even with the current slump, Anaheim still possess attacking quality. Leo Carlsson has continued to contribute offensively, and the team can still generate chances when playing at a high tempo.
Ducks Recent Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 5 | Calgary Flames | Loss 3-5 |
| Apr 4 | St. Louis Blues | Loss 2-6 |
| Apr 2 | San Jose Sharks | Loss 3-4 |
| Mar 31 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Loss 4-5 |
| Mar 29 | Edmonton Oilers | Loss 2-4 |
Despite the losing streak, Anaheim have still managed to score goals in several of these games, highlighting the team’s attacking potential.
Nashville Predators Preview
The Predators have produced mixed results recently but appear more stable compared to their opponents. Nashville lost their most recent game 3-2 in a shootout against the Los Angeles Kings, but they had previously recorded impressive victories including a 6-3 win over San Jose.
Nashville thrive in high-tempo matches where quick transitions and offensive pressure create scoring chances. Players such as Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos have been particularly effective in the attacking zone, contributing important goals and assists.
However, Nashville have struggled on the road this season and have found it difficult to secure regulation wins away from home.
Predators Recent Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 7 | Los Angeles Kings | Loss 2-3 (SO) |
| Apr 5 | San Jose Sharks | Win 6-3 |
| Apr 3 | Los Angeles Kings | Win 5-4 (SO) |
| Mar 30 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Loss 2-3 |
| Mar 29 | Montreal Canadiens | Loss 1-4 |
The Predators have demonstrated that they can produce goals, particularly when games open up into fast offensive exchanges.
Head-to-Head Record
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 22, 2025 | Nashville vs Anaheim | Ducks won 5-2 |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Nashville vs Anaheim | Ducks won 4-1 |
| Mar 15, 2025 | Anaheim vs Nashville | Ducks won 2-1 |
Anaheim have enjoyed strong results in this matchup historically and have won several recent meetings against Nashville.
Projected Lineups
Nashville Predators
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | Zachary L’Heureux – Ryan O’Reilly – Steven Stamkos |
| Line 2 | Filip Forsberg – Matthew Wood – Jonathan Marchessault |
| Line 3 | Tyson Jost – Erik Haula – Luke Evangelista |
| Line 4 | Reid Schaefer – Fedor Svechkov – Joakim Kemell |
| Defense | Brady Skjei – Roman Josi |
| Defense | Adam Wilsby – Nick Perbix |
| Defense | Ryan Ufko – Justin Barron |
| Goalies | Justus Annunen / Juuse Saros |
Anaheim Ducks
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | Mikael Granlund – Leo Carlsson – Beckett Sennecke |
| Line 2 | Chris Kreider – Ryan Poehling – Troy Terry |
| Line 3 | Alex Killorn – Mason McTavish – Jeffrey Viel |
| Line 4 | Frank Vatrano – Tim Washe – Ian Moore |
| Defense | Jackson LaCombe – Jacob Trouba |
| Defense | Pavel Mintyukov – John Carlson |
| Defense | Tyson Hinds – Drew Helleson |
| Goalies | Lukas Dostal / Ville Husso |
Key Players to Watch
Anaheim Ducks
| Player | Recent Contribution |
|---|---|
| Leo Carlsson | 3 points in last 5 games |
| Mikael Granlund | Playmaking role in top line |
| Troy Terry | Key offensive threat |
Carlsson continues to lead Anaheim’s attacking efforts and remains a crucial figure for the team.
Nashville Predators
| Player | Recent Contribution |
|---|---|
| Filip Forsberg | 7 points in last 5 games |
| Steven Stamkos | 3 goals recently |
| Ryan O’Reilly | 4 points in last 5 games |
Nashville’s experienced forwards give them strong scoring potential, especially in high-tempo games.
Goaltending Comparison
| Team | Goalkeeper | Key Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | Lukas Dostal | 3.09 GAA, .890 SV% |
| Nashville Predators | Juuse Saros | 3.11 GAA, .895 SV% |
Both teams have experienced inconsistent goaltending, which could allow multiple scoring opportunities in this matchup.
Injury Report
| Team | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | Cutter Gauthier | Out |
| Anaheim Ducks | Ross Johnston | Out |
| Anaheim Ducks | Radko Gudas | Out |
| Anaheim Ducks | Jansen Harkins | Out |
| Nashville Predators | Nicolas Hague | Out |
Anaheim have several injuries in the lineup, which has affected their defensive stability in recent games.
Best Betting Picks
| Pick | Reason |
|---|---|
| Over 6.5 Goals | Both teams involved in high-scoring games |
| Leo Carlsson Anytime Goal | Key offensive player for Anaheim |
| Steven Stamkos Anytime Goal | Strong scoring form recently |
The defensive struggles on both sides make a high-scoring game a realistic outcome.
Ducks vs Predators Match Prediction
Anaheim Ducks remain a dangerous team offensively but must correct their defensive issues if they want to end their losing streak. Playing at home could provide a much-needed boost for the team.
Nashville Predators appear slightly more balanced at the moment and have several experienced scorers who can take advantage of defensive mistakes.
If the game opens up early, both teams could produce multiple goals.
Predicted Score
| Team | Predicted Goals |
|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | 4 |
| Nashville Predators | 3 |
Anaheim Ducks may narrowly secure a win in a competitive and high-scoring contest.
How to Watch Ducks vs Predators
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Channel | ESPN+ |
| Venue | Honda Center, Anaheim |
| Start Time | 10:00 PM ET |
Fans can watch the matchup live on ESPN+ as both teams compete for important Western Conference points.
FAQs
When is Ducks vs Predators NHL game?
The game will be played on April 7, 2026 at 10:00 PM ET.
Where is the Ducks vs Predators game taking place?
The match will be held at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Which team is in better form?
Nashville Predators have shown slightly better recent performances, while Anaheim are trying to end a losing streak.
Who are the key players in this matchup?
Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos lead the Predators attack, while Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry are important players for Anaheim.
What is the predicted result?
The game is expected to be close, with Anaheim Ducks slightly favored to win at home.







