Predators edge Avalanche 4-3 in shootout – Hockey Writer – Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators (11-14-4) had a rough month in November, but in December they won three of four games, including a 4-3 shootout victory over the Colorado Avalanche (21-2-7) on Tuesday. The Avalanche’s clutch goal in the third quarter sent the game into overtime, but Ryan O’Reilly sealed the win for the Predators, improving to 26 points on the season.
game review
The first quarter accounted for most of the scoring. Colorado kicked off the game with Brock Nelson showing off his impressive hands against Juuse Saros at 1:12 of the first quarter.
The Predators scored two consecutive goals, one from Jonathan Marchessault’s power play at 4:05 and one from Reid Schaefer at 5:30. Avalanche winger Artturi Lehkonen tied the game on a wrist shot with 10:21 left in the first period.
RELATED: Devils blockbuster, Jarry complications, Tippett out and more NHL rumors
After a scoreless second period, Brady Skje’s goal at the start of the third period gave the Predators a 3-2 lead. It looked like Nashville was going to win, but Erik Haula was hit with a two-minute penalty for tripping, setting up Colorado to start a tight contest at 18:22. They scored with eight seconds left and an empty net. Cale Makar hit a free throw to tie the game at 3-3 and send the game into overtime.
In overtime, both teams failed to seize good opportunities and the game entered a penalty shootout. Ryan O’Reilly started the shootout for Nashville and hit a beautiful shot that hit the crossbar. After that, it was Saros’ time to shine. He stopped shots from Martin Nekas and Valery Nichushkin. There was almost scrutiny as to whether Filip Forsberg made head-on contact with Scott Wedgewood on goal, but it didn’t matter as Gabriel Landeskog was unable to convert his penalty kick against Saros and Nashville won 4-3.
future timetable
The Predators remain at the bottom of the Central Division, but they’re above the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference standings. They face the St. Louis Blues at home on Thursday, December 11, before traveling to Colorado to face the Avalanche again on Saturday, December 13.
The Avalanche remain atop the NHL with 49 points, but they missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead. They return home to take on the Florida Panthers (Thursday, December 11) and will seek revenge against the Predators (Saturday, December 13).
