Predators take series lead over Avalanche with Game One win

The Nashville Predators defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-2, thanks to two Filip Forsberg third period goals, to take a 1-0 series lead.

Bridgestone Arena had few empty seats 45 minutes before puck drop, but that should not come as a surprise at this time of year. The Predators were ready to face the Colorado Avalanche in game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And, as expected, the game did not disappoint Predators fans in attendance.

The Avalanche struck early with a goal by Nikita Zadarov just seven minutes in. And it took the Predators a while to respond, but they finally did in the second period with an Austin Watson goal. Very shortly after, Colorado’s Blake Comeau took the lead back.

The Predators then went on the power play with 11:20 left in the second period. It took them only ten seconds to score, as Ryan Johansen found Craig Smith right in front of the net.

That tied the game at two heading into the third period. Just as Bridgestone Arena expected, the Predators took full control in the final period.

Just under eight minutes into the period, Filip Forberg scored a goal to give Nashville a 3-2 lead. The Predators then took control of the game after that. You could tell their confidence was high and the momentum was well on their side.

Confidence was so high, in fact, that Filip Forsberg got a bit fancy on his second goal of the period.

That amazing move by Filip Forsberg had Twitter BUZZING!

That beauty of a goal eventually forced the Avalanche to pull their goaltender for the extra man advantage. But, the Predators capitalized with Colton Sissons putting it into the empty net.

They went on to win 5-2. Most would say that the Avalanche outplayed the Predators for most of the game, but the more experienced team stepped up when it mattered most.

It is rare to have game one hosted in Nashville. So, the Predators did not disappoint with an awesome pregame display.

Nashville will hope to take a 2-0 series lead on Saturday. They are home again, and have won nine of their last eleven playoff games at home. The only team with a better home playoff record in that span are the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The odds are in their favor, but the Predators have stressed not taking the Avalanche too lightly. Although Nashville came away with a 5-2 win, that game could have easily been a 4-2 win for the Avalanche with the chances Colorado failed to capitalize on.

You can watch Saturday’s game on NBC, and it will be an early one, scheduled to begin at 2:00p.m/cst. Watch parties that were originally scheduled for downtown Nashville are no longer happening due to expected stormy weather.