The Predators showed up late to game one, but when they did it was spectacular.
After a great deal of excitement over the playoff atmosphere and the dynamic opening sequence, the room crashed with a dull thud when Nikita Zadorov scored on the Avalanche’s first shot on goal. Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen created space with some speed while Zadorov crashed down untouched and Rinne just missed it.
The Predators poured on plenty more chances in the 1st period, but just couldn’t connect on some key passes.