"Think of it as a two-game, home-and-home series with playoff implications between teams nearly joined at the hip in the NHL's Western Conference standings. It wasn't quite a playoff atmosphere Tuesday night at the Pepsi Center, but the Avalanche will undoubtedly treat Thursday's series sequel as a postseason affair.

Game 1 on Tuesday went to the Nashville Predators 4-1 because the Avs couldn't overcome a rough first period despite playing inspired hockey during the final 40 minutes. Thus, the Predators will enjoy home-ice advantage in the Music City rematch."