Colorado Avalanche, Cale Makar / photo credit to GooddaySports

(NASHVILLE = Won Jeong) The Colorado Avalanche secured one point thanks to a dramatic late-game equalizer from defenseman Cale Makar, but ultimately fell 3-4 (SO) to the Nashville Predators in the ensuing shootout. The game, played on December 9th (local time) at Bridgestone Arena, thrilled fans with a dramatic flow, from a scoring frenzy in the first period to a thrilling reversal in the third.

The Avalanche established a tight 2-2 balance in the first period with an opening goal from Brock Nelson and an equalizer from Artturi Lehkonen. However, the Predators appeared to solidify their victory by taking a 3-2 lead on a goal by Brady Skjei midway through the third period.

As defeat seemed imminent late in the third period, the Avalanche got their chance. Having pulled their goaltender for an all-out attack, the Predators committed a penalty, giving the Avalanche a power play opportunity. With just 8 seconds left in the game, ‘Super Defenseman’ Cale Makar took assists from Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas to fire home a priceless tying goal, sending the game into overtime. Makar was the hero who saved his team from the brink of defeat.

However, the heroic performance of the Avalanche ended there.

With the score still tied after overtime, both teams proceeded to a shootout. Predators veteran Ryan O’Reilly stepped up as the first shooter and showed his clutch ability by netting a brilliant shot. Conversely, the Avalanche’s Martin Necas, Valeri Nichushkin, and Gabriel Landeskog were all stonewalled by Predators goaltender Juuse Saros. Saros, who made 36 saves on 39 shots throughout the game, displayed an iron-wall defense in the shootout to lead his team to victory.

Despite Makar’s magic and the combined two assists from MacKinnon and Necas, the Avalanche left with disappointment in the shootout, missing out on two crucial points. They will need to shake off the regret of this one point in their next game.