Avs begin two periods poorly, lose again at home at Predators

Nashville Predators left wing Viktor Arvidsson, center, follows through with his shot for a goal between Colorado Avalanche defensemen Fedor Tyutin, back, and Erik Johnson in the second period Tuesday in Denver. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

DENVER — Leaning to play the pass, Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard was "cheating" in trying to stop Nashville's Ryan Johansen on the opening shift of the third period Tuesday night. Pickard leaned to his right as Johansen took another stride forward and scored with a shot off the crossbar.

It was the second time the Predators scored on their first shift of the period — Victor Arvidsson struck seven seconds into the second — and it was the…