Three keys in the Ducks’ 2-1 loss to the Predators in Game 7

For the fourth season in a row, the Ducks had an opportunity to advance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs only to fall short in Game 6 on the road and Game 7 at home.

Here are three keys that led to the Ducks’ 2-1 loss to the Predators at the Honda Center on Wednesday night:

1. Starting sluggish: The Ducks had another poor start. Colin Wilson’s first-period score marked the fourth straight Game 7 the Ducks allowed a goal in the opening seven minutes. They have allowed two goals in the opening 17 minutes in each of those Game 7s.

2. No five-on-five scoring: Lack of even-strength scoring hurt the Ducks. Anaheim did not have a five-on-five goal the rest of the series after Sami Vatanen’s score in the third period of Game 5. The Ducks were 26th in the NHL in five-on-five scoring in the regular season.

3. Nearly perfect Pekka: Pekka Rinne held his ground. The Predators goalie was sharp at the start and helped Nashville weather a furious final two periods in a clutch performance for the 33-year-old veteran. He made 36 saves.