Nashville Predators vs Anaheim Ducks Picks and Predictions October 21st 2025

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Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators NHL Preview

The Anaheim Ducks will try to take a step forward in their development when they visit the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night in the second game of a five-game road trip. The Ducks, who lost in overtime to Chicago on Sunday, remain a work in progress for coach Joel Quenneville, who noted that “the lead in a game has been evasive for us” as they have surrendered the first goal in all five games this season. Anaheim finished 2-3-1 on their recent stretch, but defenseman Jackson LaCombe believes the competitive group is “determined to win” and is taking steps in the right direction.

The Predators, meanwhile, are looking to shake a three-game losing streak as they open their season-long five-game homestand. Nashville most recently lost 4-1 to Winnipeg and has been held to two goals or less in four of its six games this season. Defenseman Roman Josi summed up the problem: “You just got to score some goals in this league to win games.” Head coach Andrew Brunette is demanding better starts after the team allowed an early power-play goal and trailed 2-0 after the first period for the second time in three games, stressing the need to “start on time” and “play to our identity.”

Adding to Nashville’s concerns, top offensive forward Jonathan Marchessault (21 goals last season) is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury and did not practice Monday. If he remains out, the already struggling Predators offense will face an even tougher challenge against the Ducks.

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Line Movement and Betting Odds

The latest betting lines list the Nashville Predators as the home favorites with a moneyline of approximately –134, while the Anaheim Ducks are underdogs at around +113. The total is set at 6.0 goals, reflecting the recent low-scoring struggles of the Predators and the Ducks’ defensive focus. Early action suggests a lean toward the Under (-116), based on the teams’ recent scoring difficulties and the importance of goaltending in this matchup.

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Matchup Breakdown

Anaheim is looking to build on positives, despite the 2-1 overtime loss to Chicago. They rank a respectable 12th in the league in goals scored (14 total) and their power play has been effective, converting on five chances, ranking them fourth overall. The team relies on timely contributions from key young forwards like Leo Carlsson (6 points) and Mason McTavish (5 points), while newcomer Chris Kreider leads the team with four goals. Anaheim is also strong in the faceoff circle, ranking third in the league. However, the consistent failure to score first remains their biggest mental hurdle.

The Predators’ offense has dried up, scoring just five goals during their current three-game losing skid. They rank 11th in the league with 15 goals scored, but their shooting percentage is a concern. The potential absence of Jonathan Marchessault (Lower Body, day-to-day) puts more pressure on veterans like captain Roman Josi and Steven Stamkos (who took a costly penalty in the last game) to generate offense. Nashville will rely heavily on the home crowd and goaltender Juuse Saros to stabilize the game. Defensively, they have allowed 19 goals (3.2 GAA) this season, a mark they will need to improve to win.

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Key Storylines

The Predators’ Slow Start Syndrome is the most pressing storyline. Coach Andrew Brunette explicitly called out the team’s lack of readiness in the first period, a trend that opponents are exploiting. For Nashville to win, they must find a way to establish their “identity” early and avoid another momentum-killing penalty or goal against.

Anaheim’s First Goal Problem mirrors Nashville’s struggles. The Ducks have allowed the first goal in all five games this season, forcing them to chase the game every night. If Anaheim can finally grab the lead, it would provide a huge mental boost for the young group trying to master Quenneville’s system and secure their first road win of the five-game trip.

The Marchessault Impact is crucial. If the veteran forward misses this game, Nashville’s depth will be severely tested, particularly on the power play where he is a fixture. This could neutralize the Predators’ home-ice advantage against a disciplined Ducks team.

Prediction

Both teams are struggling with consistency and desperately need a win, setting up a competitive, tightly contested game. While the Predators have the home-ice advantage, the potential absence of Jonathan Marchessault and their recent habit of slow starts is a major vulnerability. The Ducks, despite their flaws, have shown an ability to compete and keep games close under their veteran coach. Ultimately, Nashville’s desperation and the motivation of opening a long homestand will likely provide a slight edge, but scoring will be at a premium.

Projected Score: Nashville Predators 3, Anaheim Ducks 2

Best Bet: Under 6.0 (-116)

Secondary Lean: Predators MoneyLine -134

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