Ducks @ Predators Game 4 BEST/WORST: All Tied Up

Best: Overtime Heroics

Corey Perry is at it again. The winger now has three overtime goals in this postseason alone. That gives him a total of four in his career. Perry is now tied for fourth all-time in that category. It is great to see Perry continue to silence his critics after a down season this year. Although he still is not on the top power play where he belongs, Perry has still managed to produce four goals (a 10.8 shot percentage) and seven assists this postseason. He is not even at his career shot percentage yet. Something tells me that Corey Perry is just getting started.

Worst: Penalties

Imagine this- an Anaheim Ducks team that takes penalties. Who would have thought, right? The future Mighty Saints of Anaheim took five total penalties but managed to pick up four in the final 12 minutes of regulation. Three of those penalties came in a span of four minutes. Nashville was awarded a 5 on 3 but was unable to convert. It is a great sign to see the penalty kill firing at all cylinders, but it would be nice to see them not give up those chances in the first place.

Best: First Period

After a series of rough starts, Anaheim was finally able to control the puck to begin the game. The Ducks managed to score the opening goal courtesy of Rickard Rakell. They also carried a 14-2 shot total heading into the second. Obviously that kind of play is not sustainable given Nashville’s explosive firepower, but if Anaheim could try to replicate that effort once a game that would be appreciated.

Worst: Letting a Lead Slip Away

It is not a good feeling being on the other side of a comeback. Anaheim allowed two goals in only six minutes. Nashville was able to score their final goal in the last minute of regulation with Pekka Rinne pulled for the extra attacker. The Ducks had a few opportunities to skate the puck out of the zone but elected to shoot the puck down the ice. Fortunately Anaheim was still able to hand Nashville their first home loss of the postseason.

Honorable Mention: Cam Fowler

Fowler played one the best games of his career. The guy was flying all over the ice. Fowler was responsible for 14 defensive zone exit attempts and successfully controlled the puck on 13 of them. That is a magical 92%. The next best Anaheim defender was Brandon Montour with 5 and 50%. If the Anaheim defense can continue to use their speed and skating skills to their advantage, we might have ourselves a fun series.

Three Stars:

3. Rickard Rakell

2. Cam Fowler

1. Corey Perry