Avalanche 3, Predators 2
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Colorado Avalanche started a three-game road trip against a Central Division rival on Saturday night with a solid outing by goalie Semyon Varlamov.
Making 34 saves, including 13 in the third period, Varlamov backstopped Colorado to a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators at sold-out Bridgestone Arena.
Varlamov (8-8-1) came up especially big on a Nashville power play late in the third period, stopping quality chances off the sticks of center Calle Jarnkrok and defenseman Ryan Ellis. Varlamov also got help from the crossbar, which rejected a point blast by defenseman Shea Weber.
The winning goal came from left winger Andreas Martinsen, who backhanded a rebound by goalie Pekka Rinne at 9:37, just his second marker of the season. A one-timer from the left point by right wing Craig Smith 58 seconds into the third tied it for the Predators.
The Avalanche (13-16-1) won for the fourth time in six games, improving to 9-9-0 on the road. Nashville (15-10-5) lost despite outshooting Colorado 10-1 in the second period and 36-25 for the game.
Rinne (12-8-5) made 22 stops for the Predators, which dropped to 9-4-2 at home. It was their sixth loss in nine games.
Nashville nearly tied it in the last minute, but Weber's slapper from the point deflected off Varlamov's glove and caromed off the crossbar.
NOTES: Colorado LW Gabriel Landeskog (back) sat out his second straight game, but could return for Sunday's contest in St. Louis. ... Nashville C Mike Fisher and LW Colin Wilson missed their sixth and third consecutive games, respectively, with lower-body injuries. ... The Avalanche scratched D Zach Redmond. ... D Anthony Bitetto was scratched by the Predators.