Steven Stamkos scores on OT power play as Predators beat Avalanche 3-2

Steven Stamkos scored a power-play goal just two minutes and 18 seconds into overtime, giving the Nashville Predators a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night. Justus Annunen made 30 saves to secure the win for the Predators. Stamkos' 247th power play goal tied him with Luc Robitaille for fifth-most in NHL history.

Ross Colton scored the Avalanche's lone goal in the game, marking his fourth of the season. Vitali Pinchuk scored his first career NHL goal for the Predators, helping them take a 2-1 lead in the first period. Parker Kelly also scored a goal for the Avalanche. Jaden Schwartz added another goal for the Avalanche, while Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 22 of 25 shots for the Predators.

The Predators managed a 2-on-1 chance in regulation, but failed to convert. Both teams struggled on the power play, as Nashville finished 1 for 5 and Colorado went 0 for 3. The Predators had 25 blocked shots throughout the game. To honor traded players Jack Drury and Chris Colton, a video was shown shortly after Colton scored his fourth goal of the season.

Chris MacFarland, the Predators' president/general manager, gave a return appearance after spending 11 seasons with Colorado. Nathan MacKinnon played in his 967th career game, tying defenseman Adam Foote for the third-most in franchise history. The Nashville Predators will host St. Louis on Saturday, while the Colorado Avalanche will face Detroit on Saturday night.