Stamkos’ First Goal Upheld on Review, Lifting Predators Past Avalanche in 6-2 Win

Review confirms Stamkos goal

Stamkos’ first goal made it 2-0 near the middle of the opening period. Ryan O’Reilly and Mavrik Bourque helped create the counterattack, with O’Reilly passing to Stamkos on the left for a shot at the net.

Colorado goalie Scott Wedgewood slowed the shot, and Cale Makar tried twice to clear the puck from the goal line. Officials reviewed the play and ruled that the puck had crossed the line.

Stamkos said he had accepted that the goal might not count before seeing the replay on the arena screen. Coach Andrew Brunette said he felt the puck had gone in during live play and called the sequence a beautiful goal.

Nashville pulls away

The Predators had lost both road games the previous week, including an overtime defeat to Pittsburgh the night before. The reviewed goal gave Nashville a stronger start as the team sought a positive result at home.

Nashville built a 5-0 lead before Colorado scored late in the second period. The Avalanche added another goal early in the third, but Stamkos scored on a late power play to finish the 6-2 win.

Stamkos nears career mark

The two goals were Stamkos’ sixth and seventh of the season, and raised his career total to 630. He is 10 goals behind Dave Andreychuk, who ranks 16th in NHL career goals.

Nashville has 12 points and is one point behind Colorado and San Jose in the Western Conference wild-card race. The franchise is entering the final week of the year’s opening month.