Predators Pound Avalanche 3–1, Special Teams Shine in Preseason Clash

Preseason Game Seven: Predators 3 vs Avalanche 1

NASHVILLE, TN – The Nashville Predators put on a disciplined, hard-nosed performance at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday night, skating to a 3–1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in preseason action. It was a game marked by special-teams execution, gritty defending, and a breakout showing from veteran Reilly Smith.

Smith Sets the Tone

Nashville wasted no time in establishing pressure. Just three minutes into the opening frame, Reilly Smith buried his second goal of the preseason on the power play, finishing a slick setup from captain Jacob Trouba and winger Lawson Crouse. The early strike came after Brenden Dillon’s tripping penalty put Colorado on its heels.

Smith wasn’t done there. His night ended with three points (1G, 2A), pacing the offense and earning him First Star honors.

Trouba’s Commanding Presence

The second period showcased the Predators’ blue line. Trouba, who has embraced his leadership role with the “C” on his chest, hammered home a power-play blast at 19:01, set up beautifully by Smith and Marcus Pettersson. The goal gave Nashville a 2–0 cushion and reflected their efficiency on the man advantage (2-for-5).

Trouba’s stat line (1G, 1A, 4 hits, +1 in 23:46 of ice time) underlined why he’s become the heartbeat of the club.

Fabbri Ices It

Colorado pushed back in the third, but Nashville’s depth had the answer. Just 1:51 into the final frame, Robby Fabbri finished off a Crouse feed to extend the Preds’ lead to 3–0. Although Avalanche defenseman Matt Roy spoiled Jake Allen’s shutout bid with a goal midway through the period, the Predators locked it down the rest of the way.

Between the Pipes

Jake Allen stood tall for Nashville, turning aside 10 of 11 shots (.909) in a calm, efficient outing. On the other end, Kevin Lankinen faced a barrage of 27 Predators shots, yielding three goals and falling to 0-4-0 on the preseason.

Stats of Note

• Special Teams: Nashville went 2-for-5 on the power play (40%), while Colorado failed to draw a single chance.

• Physical Edge: Preds outhit the Avs 27–17 and dominated the faceoff circle 36–28.

• 3 Stars:

  1. Reilly Smith (NSH) – 1G, 2A

  2. Jacob Trouba (NSH) – 1G, 1A

  3. Robby Fabbri (NSH) – GWG

Coach’s Corner

Head coach Lane Lambert praised the Predators’ balance:
“That’s the brand of hockey we want to see. We defended with purpose, our leaders stepped up, and our depth chipped in. That’s how you build confidence heading into the regular season.”