Nashville Predators Extend Winning Streak to Six Games

The Nashville Predators defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-2 on Wednesday in Anaheim, California. The victory marked the team’s sixth consecutive win and established the longest active winning streak in the National Hockey League. Nashville started the season with two wins in its first seven games but has found strong momentum since October 31.

The win moved the Predators into second place in the Central Division. They now trail the Minnesota Wild by five points. Their record stands at 10 wins, 4 losses, and 5 overtime losses. The victory also ended a five-game winning streak for the Anaheim Ducks.

Goalie Justus Annunen made 27 saves against 29 shots in the win. He limited the Ducks to two goals despite the team scoring at least five goals in each of its previous eight games. Predators captain Roman Josi praised Annunen’s performance in the net.

“[Annunen] was amazing in net,” Josi told reporters after the game. “He made some amazing saves. But that’s a good team. They’re fast and they create a lot. We found a way and that’s all that matters.”

The Predators have allowed only 10 goals during their six-game winning streak. That is a 1.67 goals-against average, which ranks first in the NHL since October 31. Juuse Saros has a 3-0 record during the streak with a .976 save percentage and one shutout. Annunen is also 3-0 with a .909 save percentage during this stretch.

Nashville’s penalty kill unit has been effective. The team held the Ducks, who have the league’s best power play at 36.8 percent, without a goal on three attempts. The Predators have killed 14 of 15 power plays during their current winning streak. Their 89.5 percent penalty-kill rate ranks second in the league this season.

Offensively, the team relies on a mix of veterans and new acquisitions. Steven Stamkos scored the game-winning goal with under four minutes remaining. It was his 11th goal of the season. Josi recorded two assists, bringing his career total to 801 points. He is the fifth defenseman born outside North America to reach that milestone.

The Predators will play in Las Vegas on Friday. That game will be the third of five consecutive contests on the road. Coach Andrew Brunette said the team focuses on winning the current week rather than looking back at recent results.