Avalanche Roll Into Nashville Looking to Extend Early Season Dominance

The Avalanche bring their high-octane attack to Bridgestone Arena on Sunday, and the Predators better have answers. Colorado's been feasting early in this 2026-27 campaign, and Nashville's defensive structure will face a legitimate test against one of the league's most explosive offensive units.

This matchup hinges on whether the Preds can clog the neutral zone and force Colorado into a grinding, low-event game. That's not the Avs' preferred tempo—they want to stretch the ice and create odd-man rushes off the transition. If Nashville's forwards get caught puck-watching or their defense gets spread out, it could get ugly fast. Colorado's depth scoring has been clicking, and their power play remains a weapon that can flip a game in thirty seconds.

For Nashville, home ice matters. They'll need their goaltender to be the best player on the ice and capitalize on limited chances. The Predators have shown they can win tight, defensive battles, but asking them to outscore Colorado in a track meet is a losing proposition.

The Avs have the higher ceiling here, and early-season form suggests they're hitting their stride. Nashville needs a perfect game plan and flawless execution. Anything less, and Colorado skates out with two points. Expect the visitors to control possession and create the better scoring chances.