Can the Predators Tame the Ducks at Bridgestone Arena?

As the Nashville Predators gear up to face off against the Anaheim Ducks, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying match at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators have been showing a mix of performances lately, but there's a sense that they're on the cusp of something great.

In their last game against the Dallas Stars on January 7th, NSH demonstrated resilience and offensive prowess by netting 4 goals from just 22 shots, translating to an impressive shooting percentage of 18 percent. Their physicality was evident with a total of 33 hits and their defense was impenetrable at even strength, blocking a remarkable 23 shots. This victory showcased their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain a strong defensive front.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing in previous games. On January 5th against the Calgary Flames, NSH faced challenges as they were outscored despite taking more shots (32 compared to Calgary's 39). The Predators' penalty kill struggled as well; they conceded one goal while shorthanded from twelve powerplay shots by Calgary. This game highlighted areas where NSH needs improvement: discipline to avoid penalties and efficiency in special teams play.

The most promising sign for Nashville came from their dominant performance over the Chicago Blackhawks on January 3rd. They shut out Chicago with goaltending perfection – saving all 21 shots faced – and capitalized twice on four powerplay opportunities. This level of play is exactly what will be needed when facing Anaheim.

The Ducks come into this game as underdogs but cannot be underestimated. They've shown flashes of brilliance throughout their season and will look to exploit any lapses in Nashville's gameplay.

For NSH fans looking forward to this matchup, expect your team to come out strong based on recent performances that suggest an upward trend in both offense and defense at even strength. However, keep an eye on how they handle special teams situations which could be pivotal in determining the outcome.

Mark your calendars for January 9th when these two teams clash at Bridgestone Arena starting at 8:00 PM local time (CST). Fans can catch all the action live through various broadcast networks including ESPN+ online nationally or BSSO channel number 646-1 locally for television coverage.