Ducks Season Comes To An End With Loss In Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Nick Spaling scored his second goal of the game at 4:53 of the third period and the Nashville Predators closed out their first postseason series victory to advance to the Western Conference semifinals, beating the Anaheim Ducks 4-2 on Sunday.

Steve Sullivan scored a goal, David Legwand had an empty-netter and Jordin Tootoo assisted On Spaling's goals.

The Predators won the series 4-2 in their sixth postseason in seven seasons.

Jason Blake scored a power-play goal, and Teemu Selanne also had a goal for the Ducks. Anaheim looked tired early after blowing a lead late before losing Game 5 in overtime.

They looked tired late as coach Randy Carlyle went heavily with his top two lines trying to rally.

Anaheim lost in the opening round for the third time in seven playoffs.

The fifth-seeded Predators must wait and see who they play next.

 (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)