Predators 3, Avalanche 2
Martin Erat collected a power-play goal and an assist and Pekka Rinne turned aside 27 shots as the Nashville Predators completed a regular-season sweep of the Colorado Avalanche with a 3-2 triumph on Thursday.
Colin Wilson netted his 16th goal of the season and Jordin Tootoo also tallied for Nashville (42-26-10), which moved into a tie for fifth place with the Los Angeles Kings (44-27-6) in the Western Conference standings.
A winner in 11 of its last 16 games (11-3-2), Nashville is now just four points behind the Central Division-leading Detroit Red Wings (44-23-10).
After Wilson opened the scoring with 4:25 remaining in the first period, Tootoo tallied midway into the second with his second goal in four contests and sixth of the season. Tootoo's night ended early, however, as he was checked into the boards by defenseman John-Michael Liles and left the contest.
Erat extended the cushion to three with just over seven minutes remaining, and Rinne permitted goals to Paul Stastny and Liles before closing the door for his eighth win in 10 starts.
Brian Elliott finished with 31 saves for Colorado (28-40-8), which has dropped four in a row and 24 of its last 27 games (3-22-2).