David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
DENVER — Leaning to play the pass, Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard was "cheating" in trying to stop Nashville's Ryan Johansen on the opening shift of the third period Tuesday night. Pickard leaned to his right as Johansen took another stride forward and scored with a shot off the crossbar.
It was the second time the Predators scored on their first shift of the period — Victor Arvidsson struck seven seconds into the second — and it was the difference in another losing effort for the Avalanche at home.
The Predators, who scored five goals before getting their first power-play opportunity, defeated Colorado 5-3 at the Pepsi Center to begin consecutive Tuesday night games between the teams.