LA Times · Apr 15, 2016
Ducks vs. Predators: Key matchups in NHL playoff series
Keys to the first-round playoff series between the Anaheim Ducks and the Nashville Predators:
1. Center matchup: Nashville is one of the few teams that can match the Ducks down the middle. Ryan Johansen, Mike Ribeiro, Mike Fisher and Paul Gaustad will go up against Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler, Rickard Rakell and Nate Thompson.
2. Shea Weber and Roman Josi: The Predators defensemen were two of their top five scorers in the regular season, with both exceeding 50 points. The Ducks have to limit how much they control the game from the back end. Weber won the NHL's hardest shot competition again this year with a 108.1 mph blast.