Nashville leads the series against Colorado 3-2. Game 6 is Sunday (6 p.m.)
Here are three things to watch as the Predators prepare for Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday (6 p.m., Fox TN/102.5-FM):
'Hamburglar' commits robbery
Avalanche third-string goaltender Andrew Hammond dazzled in the face of immense pressure Friday. In his first playoff start since 2015, he flummoxed the Predators with a career-high 44 saves.
Hammond is the fourth goaltender in NHL history to win an elimination game after making no more than one appearance during the regular season and the first since 1990, according to Elias Sports Bureau. When including games in the American Hockey League, Hammond's start Friday was his fourth this calendar year.
Such heroics are nothing new to the "Hamburglar," who backstopped the Ottawa Senators to an improbable playoff appearance three seasons ago with a 20-1-2 record. Hammond has stopped 52 of 53 shots since relieving injured goaltender Jonathan Bernier in the third period of Game 4.
Don't discount Hammond's ability to steal this series.
"You want to play meaningful hockey," Hammond said Friday. "When the games mean more, I try to take my game to another level."
Rexrode: Did Predators allow the two goals that will destroy theirs?
Rexrode: Predators' big plans of advancing swiped at the last moment by Colorado
Andrew Hammond's impressive game in the net prevented the Nashville Predators from capitalizing on the shots on goal, ending in a loss.
Second line silenced
Kevin Fiala, Kyle Turris and Craig Smith haven't looked themselves against the Avalanche.
They formed one of the league's most productive forward lines this season, outscoring opponents 32-13 when together at even strength. But Fiala, Turris and Smith haven't combined for a goal through five playoff games.
Fiala and Turris, in particular, have stood out for the wrong reasons. Fiala committed both of the Predators' penalties Friday. Turris has five shots in the series, the fewest among 10 Predators forwards who have appeared in each game.
More: How to watch Predators vs. Avalanche Game 6: TV, streaming info
