Fans can look forward to an exciting Friday night hockey showdown as the Colorado Avalanche host the Nashville Predators at Ball Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. MT as part of the ongoing Central Division matchup. This contest marks an important step in May as the teams conclude their regular-season series, with Colorado leading the series 2-1.
Recent Performances
The Avalanche faced a tough loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs, finishing 4-3 in overtime. Key players for Colorado included:
- Cale Makar: Scored his 14th goal of the season.
- Brock Nelson: Added another power-play goal, bringing his season total to 22.
- Nathan MacKinnon: Recorded three assists, bringing his total to 81 points this season.
Meanwhile, the Predators recently triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers, winning 4-3 in overtime. Highlights from that game included:
- Steven Stamkos: Opened the scoring early in the first period.
- Roman Josi: Scored the game-winning goal during overtime.
Player Spotlight
Nathan MacKinnon continues to dominate the league. He leads the NHL with 36 goals and ranks second with 81 points. Cale Makar also stands out among defensemen with the most points (53) and is tied for first in assists (39).
Historical Context
The Colorado Avalanche have faced off against the Nashville Predators a total of 102 times, holding a record of 45 wins, 42 losses, 5 overtime losses, and 10 ties. Historically, the teams have met twice in the playoffs, with the Avalanche emerging victorious in the 2022 First Round.
Statistical Highlights
As the game approaches, several impressive statistics stand out:
- MacKinnon achieved his 313th multi-point game on Monday, tying him for second most in franchise history.
- Brock Nelson is currently leading the NHL in power-play goals since January.
- Jack Drury boasts a face-off win percentage of 58.2%, ranking fifth in the league.
Coaching Insights
Head Coach Jared Bednar expressed pride in his team’s resilience, praising MacKinnon and other players for their strong response after trailing during the last game against the Maple Leafs. This chemistry on the ice will be crucial as they prepare for the Predators.
This hockey showdown is set to capture the excitement of fans, featuring star players and intense competition. Be sure to catch all the action live on El-Balad’s networks.
