Stamkos Power-Play Goal Lifts Predators Over Avalanche

Steven Stamkos scored on a power-play goal with 2:18 remaining in overtime to lead the Nashville Predators to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night. The goal marked Stamkos' 247th career power-play marker, tying Luc Robitaille for the fifth-most in National Hockey League history.

Justus Annunen made 30 saves for Nashville, while Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 22 of 25 shots for Denver. Blackwood received assistance from Nazem Kadri, who deflected a loose puck away from the net during the regulation period.

Vitali Pinchuk opened the scoring with a backhanded shot that went over Blackwood's shoulder in the first period. The 24-year-old forward recorded his first career NHL goal with the strike. He had previously hit the post earlier in the same period.

Ross Colton scored against his former team, while Jaden Schwartz and Parker Kelly tallied goals for the Avalanche. The home team improved its regular-season record to 6-1-2. Nashville moved to a 2-0 lead over Colorado in their meetings this season.

The Predators managed a 2-on-1 advantage after absorbing a holding penalty on Stamkos with 3:07 left in regulation, but they failed to convert the chance. Both teams struggled on special teams, with Nashville going 1-for-5 and the Avalanche 0-for-3 on the power play.

Nathan MacKinnon played in his 967th career game, tying defenseman Adam Foote for the third-most in franchise history. Chris MacFarland, the Predators' president and general manager, returned to the arena after spending 11 seasons in the Colorado front office. A video tribute played on the arena screen honored MacFarland and Jack Drury, both of whom were traded from Colorado to Nashville in June.