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

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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard, back left, celebrates after scoring the winning goal by jumping into the arms of left wing Joel Kiviranta, front left, as right wing Logan O’Connor joins in the celebration in overtime of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard reacts after scoring the winning goal in overtime of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros makes a stick-save in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista reacts after scoring against the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista (77) shoots the puck into the net for a goal past Colorado Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, bottom left, in the first period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews, front, is congratulated as he passes the team box after scoring against the Nashville Predators in the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski, left, loses his balance as Nashville Predators center Philip Tomasino, right, drives past in pursuit of the puck in the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista, right, collects the puck as Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly, left, pursues in the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Nashville Predators center Colton Sissons, left, collects the puck as Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard, right, covers in the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, left, fights for the puck with Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos, right, in the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By PAT GRAHAM

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

Girard was mobbed by teammates on the ice after beating Juuse Saros with a shot into the corner of the net.

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

Both goaltenders were stellar down the stretch and into overtime. Alexandar Georgiev and Saros each made 29 saves.

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

Takeaways

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

Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon averted a potentially scary situation when he ran into Filip Forsberg at center ice in the second period, his leg flying into the air. MacKinnon was able to get back up and continue on the play.

Key moment

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

The officials reviewed the hit as Rantanen was sent to the penalty box for boarding. Nashville didn’t score on the ensuing power play. Both teams finished 0 for 2 on the power play.

Key stat

MacKinnon had an assist on Rantanen’s goal to give him at least a point in 15 of 16 games this season. Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar was held without a point for just the second time this season.

Up next

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

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AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL