Ducks Clinch Third Seed with Late Power-Play Goal

Terry's late tally lifts Anaheim past Nashville in regular-season finale

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:57am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the final moments of a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of teal, orange, and navy blue representing the intense action on the ice.The Ducks' late-game heroics secure a favorable playoff position, setting up an intriguing first-round matchup against the high-powered Oilers.Anaheim Today

The Anaheim Ducks clinched the third seed in the Pacific Division for the upcoming NHL playoffs, defeating the Nashville Predators 5-4 on a late power-play goal by Troy Terry with just under 3 minutes remaining in the game.

Why it matters

The Ducks' victory secures them a favorable playoff position, while the Predators will now have to regroup and prepare for the postseason after falling short in the regular-season finale.

The details

Troy Terry scored the game-winning goal on the power play with 2:54 left in regulation, lifting the Ducks to a 5-4 victory over the Predators. The win clinched the third seed in the Pacific Division for Anaheim, setting them up for a first-round playoff matchup against the division-leading Edmonton Oilers.

  • The game was played on April 16, 2026.

The players

Troy Terry

A forward for the Anaheim Ducks who scored the game-winning goal in the final minutes of the regular-season finale.

Anaheim Ducks

The NHL team that clinched the third seed in the Pacific Division with their 5-4 victory over the Nashville Predators.

Nashville Predators

The NHL team that fell short against the Ducks in the regular-season finale, missing out on a more favorable playoff position.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a big game for us to lock up that third seed. The guys really stepped up and battled hard to get this win.”

— Troy Terry, Forward, Anaheim Ducks

What’s next

The Ducks will now prepare to face the division-leading Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

The takeaway

The Ducks' late-game heroics secured them a favorable playoff position, setting up an intriguing first-round matchup against the high-powered Oilers as both teams look to make a deep postseason run.