The Anaheim Ducks enter their matchup against the Nashville Predators on March 14, 2025, holding a challenging 30-35 record, reflective of a season filled with ups and downs. Under head coach Dallas Eakins, the Ducks have prioritized player development and integrating younger talent into their lineup while attempting to remain competitive in a highly contested Pacific Division. The team’s primary struggles this year have been offensively rooted; they average just 2.42 goals per game, placing them at the bottom of the NHL rankings. This lack of scoring depth, driven partly by inconsistent offensive contributions beyond their top line, has hampered their ability to remain competitive in tight contests. Forward Troy Terry continues to stand out offensively, leading the team with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists), providing essential scoring and playmaking. Frank Vatrano has also been productive, leading the team with 22 goals, demonstrating his scoring touch, particularly in power-play situations. Anaheim’s defensive unit has faced persistent challenges, allowing an average of 3.19 goals per game. Defensive breakdowns and lapses in coverage have often put substantial pressure on their goaltending tandem. Lukas Dostal has primarily handled the workload in net, maintaining respectable numbers despite challenging circumstances, reflected by his 2.91 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.

His resilience and consistency have provided the Ducks with stability and confidence defensively. Special teams have posed further challenges; Anaheim’s power-play efficiency remains low, converting on just 16.7% of their opportunities, ranking near the bottom third of the league. Conversely, their penalty kill has also struggled, successfully defending only 73.5% of opposing power plays, exposing critical areas for improvement, especially against teams proficient with man-advantage scenarios. Home-ice performance has offered a relative bright spot, where the Ducks maintain a slightly stronger record, covering the spread in six of their last ten home games. Leveraging the energy and familiarity of the Honda Center has allowed Anaheim to occasionally overcome their deficiencies and produce spirited performances, a trend they hope continues against Nashville. To secure victory in this upcoming contest, Anaheim must emphasize disciplined defensive play, reducing penalties and preventing Nashville from gaining momentum through special-teams opportunities. Offensively, the Ducks need more consistent secondary scoring from players like Mason McTavish and Ryan Strome, whose contributions could alleviate pressure from Terry and Vatrano. The Ducks’ approach will likely center around an aggressive forecheck, exploiting Nashville’s defensive vulnerabilities and maintaining possession to minimize high-danger chances against. Ultimately, this game represents a vital opportunity for Anaheim to improve their home record, build momentum, and showcase growth from their younger players as they conclude a difficult campaign, aiming to position themselves positively for the future.