NASHVILLE, TENN. — It could be considered that the Avalanche wasn’t very good Thursday night against the Nashville Predators.
The Avalanche lost 4-0 to the Predators at the Sommet Center, evening its record to 1-1.
Jason Arnott scored two first-period goals for Nashville, playing its season opener.
It could be considered that the Avalanche’s penalty killing was again a problem. The Avs allowed their third power-play goal of the season, when Arnott beat goalie Peter Budaj with a weak-side slap shot early on to make it 1-0.
It also could be construed that the Avs’ first line was not especially sharp for the second consecutive night. So far, the line of Joe Sakic, Ryan Smyth and Milan Hejduk has struggled, with neither player getting a point.
Budaj had an unobstructed view of Arnott’s slapper from the left circle, and the same on defenseman Dan Hamhuis’ even-strength slapper in the second period, making it 3-0.
Predators goalie Chris Mason had another strong game against the Avalanche. He upped his lifetime mark to 4-1 against it. Mason took over the No. 1 duties late last season.
