Ducks Clinch Third Seed in Pacific Division

Late power play goal seals victory over Predators

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:27am

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An abstract, energetic painting in bright neon colors, with hockey players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable shapes, capturing the raw intensity of the game.The Ducks' thrilling late-game comeback against the Predators clinched a crucial playoff seed, setting the stage for an intense postseason run.Today in Nashville

The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Nashville Predators 5-4 on Thursday night, with Troy Terry scoring the game-winning goal on a power play in the final three minutes. The victory clinched the third seed in the Pacific Division for the Ducks as they head into the NHL playoffs.

Why it matters

The Ducks' playoff berth secures their spot in the postseason and sets up a potential matchup against one of the top teams in the Western Conference. This game was a crucial late-season contest with significant implications for the division standings.

The details

The Ducks overcame a 4-3 deficit in the third period, with Terry's power play goal in the final minutes giving them the lead. Anaheim's victory, combined with other results around the league, locked up the third seed in the Pacific Division for the Ducks.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • Troy Terry scored the game-winning goal with 2:54 remaining in the third period.

The players

Troy Terry

A forward for the Anaheim Ducks who scored the game-winning goal.

Anaheim Ducks

The NHL team that clinched the third seed in the Pacific Division with the victory.

Nashville Predators

The NHL team that lost to the Ducks in this crucial late-season matchup.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for us to clinch that third seed. The guys really battled hard and it paid off in the end.”

— Troy Terry, Ducks Forward

What’s next

The Ducks will now await their first-round playoff opponent, which will be determined by the final standings in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The Ducks' victory over the Predators secures their spot in the NHL playoffs and sets them up for a potential deep postseason run as the third seed in the Pacific Division.