On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Nashville Predators (25-34-8) are set to host the Anaheim Ducks (29-31-8) at 8 p.m. ET at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The game promises to be an exciting matchup with the Predators holding -175 moneyline odds to win against the Ducks, who possess +145 odds. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ as these two struggling franchises look to regain their footing in a challenging NHL season.
The Predators have struggled offensively this season, with their offense ranking 31st in the league after scoring just 171 goals, averaging 2.6 per game. In contrast, the Ducks have similarly disappointing statistics, finding themselves in 29th place with 179 goals (also 2.6 per game). Both teams are grappling with significant challenges, as they strive to improve their standings before the end of the season.
The over/under for this matchup is set at 5.5 goals, reflecting the teams' difficulties in both scoring and defending. Recent trends indicate that more than 5.5 goals have been scored in 29 of the Predators' 67 games this season and in 33 of the Ducks' 68 games. Both teams have combined to average 5.2 goals per game, slightly below the set total.
Defensively, the Predators rank 24th in the league, allowing 3.2 goals per game—a total of 218 goals against. The Ducks' defense hasn't been much better, giving up 3.1 goals per game, ranking them 21st overall with 213 total goals against this season. Added to this, Nashville's goal differential stands at -47, while Anaheim’s is -34, further illustrating their struggles throughout the campaign.
In their last 10 contests, the Predators have managed to secure a record of 5-4-1, scoring an average of 2.5 goals per game and allowing 2.8 goals against. Over the same stretch, the Ducks have a slightly worse record of 3-6-1, averaging 3.1 goals scored per game while allowing 3.6 goals.
Key players for the Predators include Filip Forsberg, who has been pivotal with 60 points in 67 games, and Jonathan Marchessault, tallying 49 points overall. On the goaltending front, Juuse Saros has struggled, holding a record of 16-27-6, with a goals against average of 2.9 and an .896 save percentage.
The Ducks will look to Troy Terry, who has contributed 50 points (18 goals and 32 assists) this season, and Mason McTavish, who has also been significant with 41 points (18 goals and 23 assists). In net for Anaheim, Lukas Dostal has a record of 20-18-6 and has allowed 123 goals this season with a goals against average of 3.0.
In terms of injuries, the Predators face notable challenges with Jeremy Lauzon and Adam Wilsby both out for the season due to lower and upper body injuries, respectively. Roman Josi is also out with an upper body injury. The Ducks, meanwhile, have John Gibson listed as day-to-day due to a lower body injury, along with Sam Colangelo and Ross Johnston, who are also day-to-day. Brock McGinn and Robby Fabbri will not be playing due to injuries.
As both teams fight for a better finish in this disappointing season, the Predators are predicted to narrowly edge out the Ducks with a projected final score of 4-3. Consider betting on Ducks with a +1.5 puck line, and the recommended over/under pick is for the total goals in the game to go over 5.5.
With playoff aspirations fading fast, every game becomes crucial for both teams as they look to finish the season strong and gain some momentum heading into the offseason. Fans will be looking closely at this matchup as both the Predators and Ducks seek to prove their worth in one of the final matches of the season.
