Nashville Predators shock the Avalanche with a shootout win on December 9th
This is around the time when the Predators began to flip their season. At the time, it looked like we were on a collision course for another huge sell-off and close to last place finish.
The Predators came into his early December matchup with the Avalanche with a 10-14-4 record and win No.11 was virtually impossible against this undisputed best team in the NHL after surrendering the first goal of the game just over a minute into regulation.
However, the Predators punched back unexpectedly in that same first period with two goals of their own, one coming from Jonathan Marchessault on the power play and another coming from rookie Reid Schaefer.
The Avalanche would predictably push back and score on a Cale Makar goal with just eight seconds remaining. At that time, everyone figured the Predators didn't stand a chance in overtime and that would have to settle for the one point.
Everyone came up empty in the shootout on both teams except for Ryan O'Reilly's attempt to open the shootout. Saros would have a heroic 39 saves and make all of the stops in the shootout.
A likely first round opponent if the Predators somehow secure a wildcard spot, at least we can say it is possible to occasionally get one by on the Avalanche.