Anaheim @ Nashville preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 12, 2019 ) Nashville 2, Anaheim 3

The Anaheim Ducks came up short in their bid for their best home start in franchise history but now must quickly regroup as they prepare for their second four-game road trip of the season. Anaheim still is off to a strong start overall after missing the playoffs last season, winning six of its first nine games entering Tuesday night's matchup at the Nashville Predators.

The Ducks suffered a rare defeat to Calgary at Honda Center, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Flames to deny their bid for their first 5-0-0 start at home. “It’s a good experience for our young guys," defenseman Cam Fowler said. "Obviously, division games are always (important). These guys are battle tested. They are ready. They’re a big part of our team and they will continue to be a big part of our team.” Star forward Filip Forsberg could miss his third straight contest for Nashville, which has dropped three of four following a 3-2 setback in a shootout to visiting Florida. "We talk about just finishing games strong, whether we're behind or in the lead," center Kyle Turris said after the Predators scored twice in the third period to force overtime. "Just trying to finish strong, give ourselves the best opportunity to win a game."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Anaheim), FS Tennessee (Nashville)

ABOUT THE DUCKS (6-3-0): Despite Sunday's loss, goaltender John Gibson turned aside 27 shots and has permitted two goals or fewer in six of his seven starts while sporting a 1.88 goals-against average. "It's to the point, why would we expect any less?" coach Dallas Eakins said. "That's a regular occurrence for him. That's the expectation he has on himself and it's always great when a young man like that has those expectations. Jakob Silfverberg, who netted a career-high 24 goals last season, has scored in three straight games to boost his season total to five.

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (4-3-1): Forsberg did not practice Monday after sitting out the past two games due to a lower-body injury, but his absence led to a surprise shuffling of Nashville's top line. Coach Peter Laviolette elevated Turris from the fourth line to center Mikael Granlund and Matt Duchene, who shifted to the wing. "Kyle was good, and the line was dangerous," Laviolette said after Turris scored and played a season-high 18-plus minutes. "All three of them played well together, especially (Duchene) moving over to the wing for the first game."

OVERTIME

1. Gibson has a 2.88 GAA while splitting eight decisions versus Nashville.

2. Predators D Ryan Ellis has collected two points in four straight games to take over the team lead with 11.

3. Anaheim is 1-for-27 on the power play.

PREDICTION: Predators 3, Ducks 2