Ryan O’Reilly (via Getty Images) Ryan O’Reilly had a hat trick as the Nashville Predators cooled off the Colorado Avalanche with a 7-3 win Friday night at Ball Arena, sending Colorado to its first regulation home loss of the NHL season. The loss ended a 22-game home point streak for the Avalanche—one of the longest in league history.O’Reilly added an assist to finish with four points, leading a full-team effort by Nashville against one of the NHL’s top home teams. The Predators controlled key moments, answered every Colorado push, and pulled away late to secure one of their most impressive wins of the season.
Ryan O’Reilly feels ‘proud’ for giving Colorado Avalanche their first home regulation loss
Predators’ Ryan O’Reilly Notches Seventh Career Hat Trick vs. Avalanche
Ryan O’Reilly needed little time to set the tone, opening the scoring at 30 seconds of the first period with a backhand-to-forehand finish at the top of the crease. After Colorado tied it, he was credited with Nashville’s second goal when his centering attempt deflected off a defender and into the net.“Obviously, a great win for us. Thought everyone competed, everyone played hard tonight,” O’Reilly said. “To give that team their first regulation loss here is something to be proud of. When we’re all pulling the rope together, five guys on the ice are working and communicating, and we can compete with anyone. And tonight, that was a great team we beat.”Colorado remained within striking distance on two goals by Brock Nelson, as he tied the game twice in the first two periods. But Michael Bunting extended the lead late in the second period, and Forsberg delivered a crucial power-play goal with just over half of the third period gone to make it 5-3. Nashville’s defensive structure and poise prevented Colorado from building consistent momentum despite heavy offensive pressure.Late empty-net goals from Stamkos and Michael McCarron sealed the 7-3 final win. The Avalanche fell to 33-5-8 and dropped to 19-1-3 at home, losing in regulation at Ball Arena for the first time this season. Mackenzie Blackwood made 23 saves, but Colorado struggled defensively, allowing Nashville to capitalize on rebounds, deflections, and net-front chances.Despite the loss, Colorado remains among the NHL’s elite, and Nashville leaves Denver with confidence after delivering a statement road win that might have provided fuel for its playoff push.Also read: Ryan O’Reilly’s comeback could be exactly what the Avalanche need to strengthen their Stanley Cup chances