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Predators Edge Ducks 3-2 Behind Late Jankowski Goal

Game 7: Predators 3 vs Ducks 2

10/21/2025 • Neil Burkholder

Nashville, TN - The Nashville Predators gritted out a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena, powered by Mark Jankowski’s go-ahead tally with just 1:38 left in regulation.

After a seesaw affair that featured early fireworks and a fight, the Predators leaned on veteran depth and disciplined defense to close out their second straight home win.

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Jankowski Seals It Late

Tied 2-2 in the waning moments, Jankowski found open ice between the circles and buried a feed from Robby Fabbri and Oskar Sundqvist, sending the crowd of 18,000 into a roar.

“That’s how you want to finish a night — hard shift, good puck support, and burying one when it matters,” Jankowski said postgame. “We’ve been working on closing games better, and tonight we did.”

Sundqvist, who earlier gave Nashville a 2-1 lead in the second period, added an assist for a two-point night and earned the game’s second star. Captain Jacob Trouba notched an assist and logged 26:25 of ice time, once again anchoring the Predators’ blue line with his trademark physical edge.

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Helenius Opens Account

The crowd didn’t have to wait long for a highlight from Nashville’s youth. Rookie center Samuel Helenius scored his first NHL goal at 8:20 of the first period, finishing a crisp feed from Trouba to even the game after Anaheim’s early strike by Christian Dvorak.

“I’ll remember that forever,” Helenius grinned. “It felt good to contribute, especially with my parents watching.”

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Borgen Brings the Heat

Midway through the first, tempers flared when Will Borgen dropped the gloves with Brandon Montour in a spirited tilt that sent both to the box — and Borgen to the showers after an instigator call and game misconduct.

“He stood up for a teammate, and that’s something we value,” said head coach Lane Lambert. “We’ll live with the penalties when it comes from the right place.”

Despite the loss of Borgen, Nashville’s penalty kill stayed perfect, going 1-for-1 and holding Anaheim’s power play scoreless.

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Allen Steady Again

Goaltender Jake Allen stopped 22 of 24 shots (.917 SV%) for his second win of the season, keeping the Predators composed through several heavy Anaheim pushes.

At the other end, Sam Montembeault was busy with 35 shots, turning aside 32 in defeat.

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Numbers and Notes

• Shots: Nashville 35, Anaheim 24

• Hits: Ducks 27 | Predators 22

• Faceoffs: Nashville 54-45 advantage

• Attendance: 18,000 (100%) — Ticket revenue $1.478 million

The Predators improve to 3-4-0 on the year.