I mean, these are the conference finals, the Ducks and Predators among hockey’s precious final four, the exact spot that supposedly occupies these players’ dreams growing up.

At this point in the spring, it is whether you win or lose. But it’s also how you play the game, especially when you lose.

Coming up short on the scoreboard is to be expected; both teams can’t win, obviously.

But coming up short where numbers fail to tell the story – in the heart – is something that has to sit pretty heavy this morning inside some Duck bellies.

-Jeff Miller of the OC Register where you can read more on last night's game.