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Ducks look to keep rolling

Dec 8, 2007 - 2:52 PM Anaheim (14-12-4) at Nashville (13-11-2) 8:00 pm EST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) - Though the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner is not back in their lineup yet, knowing that he soon will be has got the Anaheim Ducks playing like champions again.

Sparked by Scott Niedermayer's announcement that he will postpone his retirement, the Ducks will seek their third straight win when they visit the Nashville Predators on Saturday.

After the superstar defenseman made his decision to return to the team on Wednesday, Anaheim cruised to a 4-1 triumph over the Buffalo Sabres. The Ducks, who will get Niedermayer back when they return home Wednesday, followed that up with a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.

Defenseman Mathieu Schneider, who was acquired this offseason as insurance in case Niedermayer called it quits, has tallied in each of those contests. The 38-year-old has four goals and 12 points on the season.

Along with Schneider and Chris Pronger, the addition of Niedermayer gives Anaheim three of the best defenseman in the NHL.

The Predators are hoping to avoid a three-game losing streak and, in the process, climb out of the basement in Central Division.

Martin Erat leads Nashville with 16 assists and 25 points and the 26-year-old Czech, who has never had more than 57 points in a season, is on pace for more than 70 points.