Predators Blank Ducks 5-0 Behind Annunen's 43-Save Shutout

Nashville goalie Justus Annunen records third career shutout in dominant win over struggling Anaheim.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:31am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with the goalie's equipment and net as the central focus, surrounded by abstract shapes and angles representing the players and puck.Annunen's stellar goaltending anchors the Predators' dominant victory over the struggling Ducks.Anaheim Today

Justus Annunen made 43 saves for his third career shutout as the Nashville Predators defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-0 on Tuesday night. Erick Haula, Filip Forsberg, and Brady Skjei scored in the second period to power the Predators to victory, sending the Ducks to their sixth consecutive loss.

Why it matters

The Predators' dominant win over the struggling Ducks showcases Annunen's emergence as a reliable starting goaltender for Nashville, while Anaheim's prolonged losing streak raises questions about the team's direction and ability to turn things around this season.

The details

Annunen, who fell one save shy of his career high, was stellar in net for the Predators, turning aside all 43 shots he faced. Nashville's offense came alive in the second period, with Haula, Forsberg, and Skjei each finding the back of the net to give the Predators a comfortable lead they would not relinquish.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Justus Annunen

The Nashville Predators' starting goaltender, who recorded his third career shutout with a 43-save performance.

Erick Haula

A forward for the Nashville Predators who scored one of the team's three second-period goals.

Filip Forsberg

A forward for the Nashville Predators who also scored in the second period to help his team secure the victory.

Brady Skjei

A defenseman for the Nashville Predators who found the back of the net in the second period.

Zachary L'Heureux

A forward for the Nashville Predators who contributed to the team's 5-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks.

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What they’re saying

“Justus was outstanding tonight. He kept us in the game early and gave us a chance to take control in the second period.”

— John Hynes, Head Coach, Nashville Predators

What’s next

The Predators will look to build on this dominant performance when they face the Dallas Stars on Thursday, April 10, 2026. The struggling Ducks, meanwhile, will hope to end their losing skid when they host the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Annunen's stellar goaltending and the Predators' offensive outburst in the second period proved to be the difference, as Nashville handed the Ducks their sixth consecutive loss. This game showcases the Predators' ability to win convincingly on the road and the Ducks' ongoing struggles to find their footing this season.