Avalanche 2, Predators 1 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Ryan Smyth and Ian Laperriere scored third-period goals to lift the Colorado Avalanche to a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night.

Avalanche goaltender Peter Budaj came within 21 seconds of his first shutout of the season before Alexander Radulov scored for the Predators.

Smyth broke the scoreless tie at 4:58 of the third period. He fired a slap shot from outside of the left circle that went into the net between the legs of Predators goaltender Chris Mason.

Laperriere scored from the edge of the crease at 16:45.

Radulov beat Budaj to his stick side from the middle of the slot to close the scoring.

Neither team scored in the first period as the Avalanche held a slight 7-6 edge in shots on goal. The Avalanche also outshot the Predators 14-10 in the second period.

It appeared that the Predators had scored at the 12:24 mark of the second period.

Radek Bonk sent a backhand into the crease that bounced off Budaj. Bonk shoveled the rebound between the pads of Budaj, but the goal was waved off because the play had been whistled dead. A video review confirmed the call.

Notes: Smyth's goal ended a five-period scoreless streak for the Avalanche against the Predators and Mason this season. ... Martin Erat, the Predators' leader in points and assists, missed the game with a neck injury. ... The Predators and Avalanche face each other again in Denver on Saturday night.