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

Nashville's disciplined defensive effort and balanced scoring overwhelm struggling Anaheim squad.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:34am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the intensity and movement of a hockey game without depicting any recognizable players or teams.A fractured, cubist depiction of the Predators' dominant defensive performance and Annunen's stellar goaltending effort against the struggling Ducks.Anaheim Today

In a dominant 5-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, the Nashville Predators rode a 43-save shutout performance from goaltender Justus Annunen and a well-rounded offensive attack to solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff race. The win showcased Nashville's ability to grind out a victory through sound team defense and timely scoring, rather than relying on individual heroics.

Why it matters

This game highlights the Predators' evolution into a more complete, playoff-ready team, one that can win tough, low-scoring affairs through disciplined play and goaltending reliability. For the struggling Ducks, the loss is a troubling sign that they may need to recalibrate their identity to better withstand the rigors of the late-season playoff push.

The details

Annunen's stellar performance, which included weathering two extended 5-on-3 penalty kills, allowed the Predators to dictate the tempo and limit Anaheim's scoring chances. Nashville's offense, led by a goal and assist from Erik Haula, demonstrated a balanced, layered attack that didn't rely on a single hot hand. The Predators seized control of the game with a pair of late second-period goals, including a short-handed tally, to build a comfortable lead they would not relinquish.

  • The Predators scored a power-play goal at 11:26 of the second period to take a 2-0 lead.
  • Nashville added a short-handed goal at 19:00 of the second period to extend their lead to 3-0.

The players

Justus Annunen

The Nashville Predators' goaltender who recorded a 43-save shutout, providing a reliable last line of defense that allowed the team to play with confidence.

Erik Haula

A Nashville Predators forward who scored a goal and added an assist, contributing to the team's balanced offensive attack.

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What’s next

The Predators will look to build on this dominant performance as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Ducks will need to find a way to regain their early-season form to avoid falling further out of contention.

The takeaway

This game showcases the Predators' evolution into a more complete, playoff-ready team, one that can win tough, low-scoring affairs through disciplined play and goaltending reliability. For the Ducks, the loss highlights the need to recalibrate their identity to better withstand the rigors of the late-season playoff push.