April 26--REPORTING FROM NASHVILLE -- The Predators didn't do anything that surprised the Ducks. They just played well in every facet of the game. "They did a lot of the same things we expected. Played hard, played for their lives," Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf said. "They had guys blocking shots, the goaltender played good. and I didn't think we did a good enough job getting to Pekka [Rinne]. He saw too many pucks. We weren't there for enough rebounds."
-- The Ducks are very well aware of their three Game 7 losses the past three playoffs, and that their Game 7 shortcomings have become a theme. The only way to change it is to win on Wednesday. "It is what it is. When you're in the playoffs, when it comes to that do-or-die game, it's a matter of just trying to get it done," Getzlaf said. "We've won Game 7s in the past. It's just the last couple years that we lost to some good teams that outperformed us in that Game 7. ... We started two in the hole in our building. If we had said we'd have Game 7 in our building after that, we would have been happy." Maybe so, but maybe not after holding a 3-2 series lead.
-- The Predators, who have won only two playoff series in their franchise history, are trying to make a big leap by upsetting the Ducks. Their young players are getting valuable experience and are stepping up, and as a team they limited the Ducks to very few Grade A scoring chances. "We have to give them credit," Ducks left wing David Perron said. "It's exciting right now. It's Game 7. First time in my career for me, and I'm sure for a lot of guys in our room. And we're going to have to rely on guys who have been there before. We're going to throw everything at them and play our best game and find a way to move on to that second round. I'm excited for our next game already."
-- The Ducks' inability to close out the Predators continued a string of unlikely outcomes in the playoffs. The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks were eliminated from the playoffs on Monday by the St. Louis Blues, a few days after the Kings were sent home by the San Jose Sharks. Like the Blackhawks and Kings, the Ducks were considered a likely contender for the West championship or the Cup. A loss Wednesday in Game 7 would add to the upsets and would match the Predators against the Sharks in the second round. Who predicted that?
Twitter: @helenenothelen
