Andrew Hammond making his first playoff start in three years, made 44 saves to keep the Avalanche alive in the series as Colorado escaped with a 2-1 victory on Friday.
Things were fairly physical, though in a more controlled manner on both sides, in the first period.
The Preds killed off an early Colorado power play after Kevin Fiala was sent off for tripping less than five minutes into the contest.
Nashville began the second period with a full two-minute man advantage as J.T. Compher was called for holding at the end of the first period.