After finally winning a Game 7 playoff series - beating Edmonton this past Wednesday - the Ducks had to open the Western Conference Finals against Nashville on Friday. The Ducks weren't ready mentally or physically, which is understandable given such a short turnaround. Yet, despite not playing anywhere near their best, the Ducks took the far-more rested Predators to overtime before losing, 3-2.

Look for Anaheim to play much better with far more urgency in today's Game 2 matchup. A loss would put the Ducks down 0-2 going to Nashville. Crowd support should be better, too, with this being a Sunday game meaning less traffic on the freeway.

I liked the Predators a lot to win that Game 1. It was my Stanley Cup Game of the Year. One reason for my strong opinion to Nashville was the goalie difference from Pekka Rinne, who has been outstanding, to John Gibson.

But now the spot is different and the price is right to back Anaheim. Another reason for feeling this way is the way Gibson played on Friday. He was tremendous making 43 stops, including several super ones.

I have far more confidence in Gibson now. I like how the Ducks banished their Game 7 demons with that victory against the Oilers and now they'll be more ready to play having gotten Game 1 out of the way. Fatigue could catch up to the Ducks, but not this early in the series.

I trust Ducks coach Randy Carlyle to make the right in-game adjustments - something he did in the Oilers series - and for Anaheim's defense to tighten up and be more physical.

Even with that Game 1 home loss, the Ducks still have won 68 percent of their past 68 home games.