mymotherlode
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Ryan O'Reilly recorded two goals and two assists, Steven Stamkos added two goals and an assist, and the Nashville Predators snapped a two-game losing streak with a 6-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night.
Filip Forsberg contributed a goal and two assists, while Jack Drury also scored for Nashville. Goaltender Justus Annunen stopped 19 shots to earn his first win of the season.
Artturi Lehkonen and Devon Toews scored for Colorado, which has now lost three of its last four games. Scott Wedgewood made 29 saves in the losing effort.
The Predators capitalized on four of seven power-play chances, including both of O'Reilly's goals. Entering the game, Nashville had managed just one power-play opportunity in each of its previous three contests.
Forsberg opened the scoring at 4:01 of the first period. During a Predators power play, Stamkos blocked a clearing attempt, and the puck went to Roman Josi, who fed Forsberg for a wrist shot from the high slot that beat Wedgewood. Josi finished with three assists.
Stamkos made it 2-0 at 10:48 of the first from the left side. The play was initially ruled no goal on the ice, as Colorado defenseman Cale Makar appeared to sweep the puck off the goal line, but video review determined the puck completely crossed the line.
O'Reilly's power-play goal at 6:38 of the second period extended the lead to 3-0. Annunen and Wedgewood were traded for each other last November in a one-for-one goaltender swap between the teams.
Drury and O'Reilly scored less than a minute apart late in the second period before Lehkonen put Colorado on the board with 2:05 remaining in the middle frame. Toews scored at 2:43 of the third period, and Stamkos connected again at 10:24 with Nashville enjoying a two-man advantage.
Key Analysis
The Predators' power play was the difference, converting at a 57% clip after entering the game with minimal opportunities in recent outings. Nashville's ability to capitalize with the man advantage, combined with timely scoring from its top players, proved too much for Colorado to overcome.
Up next: The Avalanche host the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, while the Predators welcome the New York Islanders on Tuesday night.
_ See AP's full NHL coverage here.
Originally reported by mymotherlode.