Recap: Avs outdueled in 3-2 overtime loss to Nashville

The Colorado Avalanche faced off against the Nashville Predators at Ball Arena, marking the beginning of four upcoming matchups this season. Familiar faces from the Avalanche roster returned, including Ryan O’Reilly, Alex Kerfoot, Jack Drury, Ross Colton, and Justus Annunen. Chris MacFarland, the former Avalanche General Manager, may have been in attendance as well.

Despite erasing a one-goal deficit twice, the Avalanche ultimately fell short in overtime. Jack Drury emphasized the importance of winning for Ross Colton, who responded by scoring a critical goal in the first period. Martin Necas assisted Ryan O’Reilly to give the Predators an early 1-0 lead.

Nashville scored again when Vitali Pinchuk registered his first NHL goal at 14:34, extending their lead to 2-1. The Avalanche managed to tie the game at 2-2 with a goal by Parker Kelly at 5:08. Both teams displayed strong defense, with Justus Annunen and Mackenzie Blackwood making crucial saves.

The game went into overtime, where the Avalanche dominated initially, with chances for Devon Toews and Steven Stamkos. However, Steven Stamkos sealed the victory for the Predators with a game-winning goal, tying the record for the most power-play goals in NHL history. The Avalanche's Mackinnon expressed frustration after the loss, as he has been goalless in five of Colorado’s eight losses this season. The next matchup between these two teams is scheduled for January 2027.