Zegras has big game on birthday and Gibson makes 33 saves to lead Ducks over Predators 4-1

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Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (11) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (11) scores a goal past Nashville Predators goaltender Justus Annunen (29), and defensemen Spencer Stastney (24) and Marc Del Gaizo (7) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) shoots the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Anaheim Ducks center Isac Lundestrom (21) and Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) battle for the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe (2) moves the puck past Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei (76) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe (2) scores a goal past Nashville Predators goaltender Justus Annunen (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Nashville Predators defenseman Spencer Stastney (24) hits the puck past Anaheim Ducks left wing Cutter Gauthier (61) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) hits Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) into the glass during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (90) gathers the puck past Anaheim Ducks center Isac Lundestrom (21) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry (19) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Anaheim Ducks right wing Brett Leason (20) passes the puck past Nashville Predators defenseman Justin Barron (20) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Trevor Zegras had a goal and an assist on his 24th birthday, John Gibson made 33 saves and the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Nashville Predators 4-1 on Thursday night.

Jackson LaCombe, Troy Terry and Alex Killorn also scored for the Ducks. Mason McTavish added two assists.

Steven Stamkos gave Nashville a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal in the first period. It was the 578th goal of Stamkos’ career, passing Mark Recchi for 22nd place in NHL history.

Gibson made his first start after missing seven games with a lower-body injury. It was just his fourth appearance since a 26-save performance in a 2-1 victory over Dallas on Feb. 4.

Anaheim improved to 5-7-2 in its past 14 games, including a 2-1 home win against Nashville last Friday.

Justus Annunen stopped 30 shots for the Predators, who have managed only three goals while going 0-3-1 in their past four games.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl