In a notable NHL encounter, the Colorado Avalanche triumphed over the Nashville Predators with a score of 3-0, thanks to a solid performance by Mackenzie Blackwood in goal.
Blackwood, demonstrating his worth, made 35 crucial saves to secure his team’s victory. This triumph extends the Avalanche’s winning streak to eight consecutive games, their best performance since March 2024, when they achieved nine wins in a row.
Goals and key moments of the match
Brent Burns opened the scoring early in the game, followed by goals from Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Drury, both into the empty net, sealing the final result.
The first goal of the game came 15 seconds into the first period, courtesy of Burns, who capitalized on an opportunity from the right circle.
MacKinnon, with this goal, has three in his last two games, showing his offensive consistency.
Domain and meeting statistics
The Avalanche, undisputed leaders of the league, consolidate their position with a five-point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes.
Despite the efforts of Juuse Saros, who made 23 saves for the Predators, his team couldn’t break through the Avalanche’s defense, suffering their seventh loss in eight games.
The Predators returned to North America after a series of games in Stockholm, Sweden, where they faced the Pittsburgh Penguins. This was a difficult game for the Predators, who suffered their second consecutive shutout.
The game on Saturday marked the first shutout of the season for Blackwood, and the 15th of his career.
Despite the Predators outshooting the Avalanche in the first period, Blackwood stood firm, denying any scoring opportunity.
Colorado defenseman Cale Makar failed to record any points in a road game for the first time this season.
Michael McCarron of the Predators was stopped by Blackwood in the third period, keeping the score in favor of the Avalanche.
The Predators captain, Roman Josi, returned to the team after missing 12 games due to an upper-body injury.
