Rinne, Predators will be a tough task for Ducks

Among the obstacles that have blocked the Ducks’ path to a Stanley Cup title this decade, Predators goalie Pekka Rinne might be the biggest — and not just because he’s 6-foot-5.

After beating the Ducks in two previous playoff series, the fantastic Finn and his Predators are looming again in the Western Conference finals. Game 1 is Friday night in Anaheim, Calif.

The Ducks and the Predators were the class of the first two rounds, taking just five combined losses and earning a rematch of last season’s first-round series for considerably higher stakes.

Rinne and the wild-card Predators won that series in seven games, prompting coach Randy Carlyle’s return to Anaheim and a renewed focus on playoff mental strength. The Ducks are in the conference finals for the second time in three years after winning five straight Pacific Division titles, but they still haven’t made a Stanley Cup Final since 2007.

In the rematch, the Ducks hope to show the Predators what they learned last spring.

“Obviously it’s a new year, new teams, (but) for some of us, it means a little bit more,” Anaheim center Ryan Kesler said. “But we’re all playing for the same thing, and right now it’s about getting four wins before they do. It’s going to be a tough road, but we’re up to it.”

Rinne and the Predators also beat the Ducks in 2011 for the first playoff series victory in franchise history. Heading into the franchise’s first conference finals appearance, the Predators are putting little reliance on their previous successes against the Ducks.

“Whoever wins the series gets to play for the Cup,” Predators captain Mike Fisher said. “So that’s probably the only motivation you need.”

Rinne leads the postseason with a .951 save percentage and a 1.37 goals-against average while allowing only 14 goals in 10 games.

MARK HUMPHREY/AP Predators goalie Pekka Rinne has been tough on the Ducks.