For Nashville Predators fans, rooting against the Anaheim Ducks is practically second nature. These two teams have been locked in a heated rivalry for over a decade, with playoff battles that have defined an era of Smashville hockey. It all started with the Predators' first-ever playoff series win in 2011, and it reached its peak during that unforgettable Western Conference Final victory in 2017.

Now, as the Ducks face off against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, there's an even bigger reason for Nashville to rally behind Vegas. A Golden Knights win wouldn't just sting a longtime rival—it could set the stage for a more favorable path forward for the Predators. With the Western Conference wide open, seeing Anaheim eliminated would remove a team that has historically given Nashville fits in high-stakes moments.

Whether you're a die-hard Preds fan or just love the drama of playoff hockey, this series has plenty of implications for the future of the conference. And for those wearing gold in Bridgestone Arena, the math is simple: Go Knights, beat the Ducks.