Steven Stamkos etched his name further into the NHL record books Thursday night, scoring a power-play goal 2:18 into overtime to give the Nashville Predators a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. That wasn’t just any goal, folks, that was his 247th power-play marker, tying him with the legendary Luc Robitaille for fifth-most in NHL history. Think about that for a second. Stamkos didn’t just score the winner, he *drew the penalty* that led to it. What a shift.
Stamkos’ Record-Setting OT Heroics
This wasn’t an easy night, but the Predators found a way, and Stamkos was at the heart of it. Justus Annunen was a brick wall in net, making 30 saves to keep Nashville in it. Ross Colton, playing against his old team, found the back of the net, and Vitali Pinchuk bagged his first career goal, which is always electric to see. That puts the Predators at 2-0 against Colorado this season, a nice early season trend.
On the flip side, the Avalanche had Jaden Schwartz and Parker Kelly light the lamp, but it wasn’t enough. They’re usually beasts at home, rocking a 6-1-2 record there this season, so this loss stings. Mackenzie Blackwood did his part, stopping 22 of 25 shots, even getting some help from Nazem Kadri who knocked a puck away that was heading for an empty net.
Power Play Struggles and Personal Triumphs
Special teams were a mixed bag for both squads. The Predators were 1 for 5 on the power play, while the Avalanche went 0 for 3. Nashville showed some grit, weathering a holding penalty on Stamkos himself with only 3:07 left in regulation, though they couldn’t convert on a 2-on-1 chance right after. They also put their bodies on the line all night, blocking 25 shots.
Pinchuk’s first career goal was a beauty, giving the Predators a 2-1 lead in the first period with a slick backhanded shot over Blackwood’s shoulder. He almost had it earlier, but the post robbed him. There was also a cool moment with a video tribute for Ross Colton and Jack Drury, both traded from Colorado to the Predators back in June, playing shortly after Colton’s fourth goal of the season. And hey, Predators president/general manager Chris MacFarland got a little homecoming, too, after spending 11 seasons in Colorado’s front office. Nathan MacKinnon hit a personal milestone, playing his 967th career game, tying Adam Foote for third-most in Avalanche franchise history.
The Predators are back on home ice to host St. Louis on Saturday, looking to keep this momentum rolling. Meanwhile, the Avalanche will try to bounce back when they host Detroit on Saturday night. Both teams have a quick turnaround, so it’s all about who recovers best.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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