What we learned from the Ducks’ 4-2 victory over the Predators

The Ducks aren’t out of the woods. Not even close. But their slow-drip uptick continued with a 4-2 win against Nashville on Sunday.

They didn’t blow a lead and they got the first win of the season for goalie Frederik Andersen, who had been 0-5-2 with a 2.05 goals-against average and .932 save percentage.

It was what they needed after a 1-7-2 start, which equaled the worst 10-game start in franchise history.

Here’s what we learned:

Their big guns are still missing in (and out) of action

Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler still have zeros next to their name in the goal column after 11 games. They each had one shot on goal Sunday.

The pressure is probably more on Perry than Kesler, who is more valued for his two-way game.

“The one thing I know -- Corey gets frustrated when he doesn’t score,” Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau said. “But a guy like Kes, just because he’s not scoring, the rest of his game is really good. It’d be nice to get [Corey going]… but we’ll do what we have to do right now until it does happen.”

Boudreau did not know when captain Ryan Getzlaf would return to practice after he underwent an appendectomy last week.

Their second periods are still an issue

The Ducks have been outscored 15-3 in the second period this season. They didn’t register a shot in the first six minutes of the second on Sunday and allowed goals by Shea Weber and Calle Jarnkrok that gave the Predators life.

It’s one of the sore points that Boudreau alluded to when asked about the importance of being rewarded with a win.

“It’s OK as long as we don’t think that’s the be-all, end-all,” Boudreau said.

The Ducks might have to recall a forward

Jiri Sekac left the game with a lower-body injury and Boudreau did not have an update. Sekac got tangled with Nashville’s Gabriel Bourque near the boards and appeared to hobble to the dressing room.

If Sekac and Getzlaf are not available for at least their next game Wednesday, the Ducks would be down to 12 available forwards. The likely candidates for a call-up? Nick Ritchie, Max Friberg and Nic Kerdiles.