Predators rally past underdog Avs

Forsberg scores twice in 3rd as Nashville prevails over Colorado in opener

NASHVILLE — Filip Forsberg scored twice in the third period and the Nashville Predators rallied to beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-2 on Thursday in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference series.

The Predators were ready for a big party having won their first Presidents’ Trophy and looking for the Stanley Cup lost in six games to Pittsburgh last June.

The Avalanche simply wanted a big win on a stage their franchise hadn’t seen since 2014.

Pekka Rinne made 25 saves for Nashville, including a handful on Colorado’s Hart Trophy candidate Nathan MacKinnon.

Austin Watson had a goal and an assist for Nashville, which has won 11 straight over Colorado. Craig Smith and Colton Sissons scored a goal apiece, and Ryan Johansen had two assists.

Nikita Zadorov and Blake Comeau had the goals for Colorado.

Forsberg, who led the Preds with 64 points in the regular season, gave Nashville its first lead at 3-2 when he redirected a shot from captain Roman Josi past Jonathan Bernier at 6:08 of the third period. Then Forsberg made it 4-2, passing the puck through his legs skating by rookie Samuel Girard before beating Bernier with 7:50 left.

Sissons rounded out the scoring with an empty-netter with 1:57 remaining.

SHARKS 3, DUCKS 0

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Evander Kane scored two goals in his first career playoff game and Martin Jones made 25 saves as the San Jose Sharks blanked the Anaheim Ducks in their first-round series opener.

Brent Burns also scored and captain Joe Pavelski had two assists during a threegoal second period for the Sharks. San Jose and Anaheim have been regular playoff teams for the past 15 years, yet are meeting in the post-season for only the second time.

John Gibson stopped 30 shots for the Ducks, who lost a series opener at home in their third consecutive playoff series. Anaheim had won seven straight home games down the regular-season stretch, losing in regulation at home just once in 17 games since late January.

The Associated Press Nashville Predators forwards Filip Forsberg, front, and Ryan Johansen celebrate a goal against Colorado Avalanche goaltender Jonathan Bernier during the third period of Game 1 at Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday.