Ducks forward Rickard Rakell will miss Game 5 of the Western Conference finals with a lower-body injury, leaving Anaheim without its top regular-season goal-scorer.
The Ducks announced Rakell’s surprise absence during pregame warmups Saturday.
Rakell had 33 goals and 18 assists in his breakthrough regular season, becoming the first player other than Corey Perry to lead the Ducks in goals since 2010.
The Swedish forward had seven goals and six assists in 15 post-season games, including a goal in the Ducks’ overtime victory in Game 4 of the conference finals.
Nashville will be without its captain after Mike Fisher was also absent from pregame warmups.
No Mike Fisher (undisclosed) and no Rickard Rackell (lower body.) And no Ryan Johansen. Playoff hockey, taking its toll.
The Predators lost their top centre Ryan Johansen for the rest of the playoffs. Johansen underwent emergency surgery on a left thigh injury, abruptly leaving Nashville without its leading scorer.
Anaheim also played its ninth consecutive game without forward Patrick Eaves, who scored a combined 32 goals for Dallas and the Ducks. He has been sidelined since April 30 due to a lower-body injury.
