‘Bad blood’ flowing in Western finals

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Predators finally are facing their first real adversity this postseason, with the Ducks eager to push, hit and poke them out of what has already been a historic run.

The Predators insist they can play that game too — and keep their cool no matter what pesky Ducks center Ryan Kesler does.

Predators center Ryan Johansen vented his frustration at how Kesler plays after the Ducks rallied twice in pulling out a 5-3 win Sunday night that tied the Western Conference finals at a game apiece. Johansen said he didn't know how anyone could cheer for a guy like that constantly prodding and poking. Each picked up a penalty, with Johansen high-sticking Kesler off a faceoff.

“Obviously, there's some bad blood there,” Predators forward Colton Sissons said Monday. “It's only going to get escalated from here.”

How much Kesler has gotten under Johansen's skin and whether Kesler can shake the anchor of the Predators’ top line remains to be seen.

So far, the Predators have matched the Ducks nearly hit for hit and still have the home-ice advantage in this series.

Game 3 is Tuesday night in Nashville, where the Predators have won nine straight playoff games dating to last year, including a league-best 5-0 this postseason.

The Ducks feel pretty comfortable heading to Music City after avoiding an 0-2 deficit for a second straight series. They also have a 4-1 road record after sweeping the Flames and winning twice in Edmonton.

“We believe that we can go in any building and play with the teams that we're up against and give ourselves a chance for success,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said.

SEAN M. HAFFEY/GETTY Ryan Johansen celebrates his goal in Game 2 on Sunday.