Ducks Clinch Playoff Spot with Win Over Predators

Late power-play goal seals third seed in Pacific Division

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with players' forms abstracted into overlapping angular shapes in a palette of deep blues, bright reds, and metallic silvers.The Ducks' late-season surge culminates in a hard-fought playoff-clinching win over the Predators, setting the stage for an intriguing first-round matchup.Today in Nashville

The Anaheim Ducks clinched a playoff spot in the Pacific Division with a 5-4 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. Troy Terry scored the game-winning goal on the power play with 2:54 remaining, capping a back-and-forth contest that saw the lead change hands several times.

Why it matters

The Ducks' win, combined with Edmonton's result, means Anaheim will likely face the Oilers in the first round of the playoffs starting Monday. This game had major implications for the Ducks' postseason positioning, as they were still in contention for several different playoff scenarios heading into the regular-season finale.

The details

Cutter Gauthier, Jackson LaCombe, Alex Killorn and Tristan Luneau also scored for the Ducks, who took the season series against the Predators 2-1. Steven Stamkos and Filip Forsberg each scored twice for Nashville, which was eliminated from playoff contention earlier this week.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • Terry's game-winning goal came with 2:54 remaining in regulation.

The players

Troy Terry

Ducks forward who scored the game-winning power-play goal late in the third period.

Steven Stamkos

Predators forward who scored two goals, giving him 42 on the season.

Filip Forsberg

Predators forward who also scored two goals, giving him 40 on the season.

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What’s next

The Ducks will face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs, likely starting on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The Ducks' late-season surge has paid off, as they clinched a playoff spot and the third seed in the Pacific Division with their win over the Predators. This sets up an intriguing first-round matchup against the Oilers, two teams that have had contrasting fortunes down the stretch.