Final
Avalanche-Predators Preview
Mar 27, 2016 - 4:05 PM Desperation is beginning to set in for the Avalanche after back-to-back losses to clubs also fighting for their playoff lives dealt serious blows to Colorado's postseason fate.There aren't any so-called pushovers remaining on the schedule, either.
The Nashville Predators host the Avalanche twice during that final stretch and can wrap up a playoff berth with a victory Monday night.
Colorado (38-33-4) had won three in a row heading into Thursday's matchup with Philadelphia, but it allowed the final three goals in a 4-2 defeat. Then, after coming up empty despite a strong push in the first period, the Avalanche fell apart in a 4-0 loss to Minnesota on Saturday that dropped it five points behind the Wild for the West's final playoff spot.
Both of those defeats came without Matt Duchene and Nathan MacKinnon, who are battling knee injuries. Forward Mikko Rantanen was reassigned to the AHL following Saturday's contest, meaning at least one could be returning against the Predators (39-23-13) or at St. Louis on Tuesday.
Having their top two scorers healthy would be a big boost, especially with playoff teams Washington, Dallas and Anaheim also featured on the remaining slate.
"When you think about where we were in November, we never quit. Then why should we quit (now)?" coach Patrick Roy said. "I know the schedule doesn't favor us, I hear that. But at the same time, we have a game in hand (on Minnesota). Let's just play our games and play the way we're capable of. Let's go on the road and see what we can do."
Nashville is feeling much more comfortable with the playoffs approaching. It is 11 points clear of Colorado in the wild-card race and has pulled to within two of Chicago for the Central Division's last guaranteed postseason spot by winning five of six.
The Predators will clinch a playoff berth with a win Monday after routing Columbus 5-1 on Saturday. Shea Weber moved into second place on the franchise's goal-scoring list and James Neal netted his 30th.
Roman Josi had three assists, giving him 44 to set the single-season team record for a defenseman. Neal's goal gave Nashville two 30-goal scorers for the first time since 2005-06.
"In parts of the season, one of us has been hot at different times, and that's been good," said Filip Forsberg, who has 31 goals after scoring in each of the previous three. "We always try to shoot a lot of pucks, and (Neal's) got an unbelievable shot. He's been really showing the fans and the team what he can do. It's been unbelievable to watch him."
The Avalanche won in Nashville on Dec. 12, but the Predators are 7-0-3 at home since Feb. 15 and will host Colorado again on April 5.
Weber and Neal scored, Forsberg had a goal and an assist and Pekka Rinne made 34 saves in a 5-2 win at Colorado on March 5. Rinne has won his last five starts with a 1.78 goals-against average, and he should be in net again for this one. He's 7-0-2 with a 1.87 GAA at home since Feb. 18.
Semyon Varlamov has started the last two for the Avs, but Roy hasn't announced his plans for the back-to-back set. He could decide to go with Calvin Pickard, who beat Edmonton 3-2 in his last outing March 20.
- COLORADO: 4
NASHVILLE: 3
Final
Mar 28 10:41 PM - COLORADO: 4
NASHVILLE: 3
3rd Period - 0:03
Mar 28 10:41 PM - End of 3rd Period.
Mar 28 10:41 PM - End of 3rd Period.
Mar 28 10:41 PM - Goal scored by Roman Josi assisted by Filip Forsberg
Avalanche 4, Predators 3 3rd - 4:38Mar 28 10:30 PM - Goal scored by Colton Sissons assisted by Miikka Salomaki and Calle Jarnkrok
Avalanche 4, Predators 2 3rd - 5:02Mar 28 10:29 PM - Goal scored by Shawn Matthias assisted by Mikkel Boedker
Avalanche 4, Predators 1 3rd - 7:47Mar 28 10:23 PM - End of 2nd Period.
Mar 28 9:43 PM - End of 2nd Period.
Mar 28 9:43 PM - COLORADO: 3
NASHVILLE: 1
1st Period - 0:24
Mar 28 8:46 PM - End of 1st Period.
Mar 28 8:46 PM - Goal scored by Craig Smith assisted by Filip Forsberg
Avalanche 3, Predators 1 1st - 2:52Mar 28 8:39 PM - Goal scored by Jack Skille assisted by Cody McLeod and Andrew Agozzino
Avalanche 3, Predators 0 1st - 0:82Mar 28 8:31 PM - Goal scored by Gabriel Landeskog assisted by Carl Soderberg and Blake Comeau
Avalanche 2, Predators 0 1st - 9:50Mar 28 8:25 PM - COLORADO: 0
NASHVILLE: 0
1st Period - 20:00
Mar 28 8:08 PM - COLORADO: 0
NASHVILLE: 0
Final
Mar 28 8:08 PM - Mike Ribeiro won faceoff against Mikhail Grigorenko in neutral zone
Mar 28 8:08 PM
Related News
- Avalanche Prospects Mailbag: Panning for Gold Dec 26
- Recap: Avalanche dominate in much-needed get-right game against Arizona Dec 23
- Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Arizona Coyotes (7:00 p.m.) Dec 23
- Preview: Avalanche square off against Coyotes Dec 23
- Weekly Grades: MacKinnon Nichushkin Domination Edition Dec 22
- Recap: Nathan MacKinnon career night strikes down Sens Dec 22
- Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Ottawa Senators (7 p.m.) Dec 21
- Preview: A fight through the darkness Dec 21
- Why Devon Toews’ comments will fuel the Avalanche Dec 20
- Recap: Avs get Mrazek’d in Chicago Dec 20
- Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks (6:30 p.m.) Dec 19
- Preview: Avalanche in the Windy City Dec 19