Nashville Predators: Four takeaways from Game 1 versus Avalanche

After starting slow, the Nashville Predators stood victorious in Game 1 of their series with the Avalanche. Here is what we learned from the game.

What an incredibly amazing night! Sure, it did not go completely as scripted, or at least as most fans had hoped. Yet, the end result brought satisfaction to us all. When the final horn blew, the Nashville Predators accomplished just what they needed: win Game 1. For a bit, that outcome was in doubt.

I case you missed the game, or could not stay up until 11 p.m. to watch to completion, let me give you a brief synopsis of what occurred. The Colorado Avalanche controlled the game for much of the opening 30 minutes, leading shot shares by a 10% margin. They also won the face-off battle early on. A few penalties pushed the Predators backs against the wall in the second period, but they responded with a late charge. Craig Smith took advantage of his opening 10 seconds into a power play to tie the game halfway through the second. From there, Nashville’s confidence grew.

Two amazing goals by Filip Forsberg provided a lead for the Predators. The final margin reached on an empty net goal from Colton Sissons. As the Predators took over, the Avalanche’s frustrations started to show. After the final whistle, Nikita Zadorov crossed checked Viktor Arvidsson and was called for a misconduct penalty.

It may not have started the way we wanted, but a win is a win. And with it, we learned a few things.