Samuel Girard steals the puck in overtime and scores on a breakaway as the Avalanche beat the Predators 3-2

DENVER – Samuel Girard stole the puck and scored his first goal of the season on a breakaway 2:47 into overtime as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Nashville Predators 3-2 on Monday night.

Girard was surrounded on the ice by his teammates after he beat Juuse Saros with a shot into the corner of the net.

Devon Toews, a defenseman from Colorado, also scored his first goal of the season, and Mikko Rantanen also scored.

Both goalies were outstanding down the stretch and in overtime. Alexandar Georgiev and Saros each made 29 saves.

Luke Evangelista and Colton Sissons scored goals for the Predators, who opened a five-game road trip.

Predators: There’s something about Colorado that brings out the best in Sissons. The striker scored his only two goals this season against Colorado.

Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon averted a potentially frightening situation when he encountered Filip Forsberg in the middle of the ice in the second period and his leg flew into the air. MacKinnon was able to get back up and continue the play.

Nashville’s Michael McCarron’s visor/face appeared to hit the boards on a Rantanen hit midway through the third period. McCarron remained on the ice as the Avalanche headed the other way, but play was stopped to check on him.

Officials were reviewing the hit when Rantanen was sent to the penalty box. Nashville didn’t score on the ensuing power play. Both teams finished 0 for 2 on the power play.

MacKinnon recorded an assist on Rantanen’s goal in 15 of 16 games this season, securing him at least one point. Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar went without a point for the second time this season.

The Avalanche host the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, while the Predators continue their trip to Edmonton on Thursday.

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