AVALANCHE, PREDATORS SET FOR CENTRAL DIVISION CLASH IN NASHVILLE NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The surging Colorado Avalanche visit the struggling Nashville Predators on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena in a matchup of Central Division teams on opposite trajectories. The Avalanche (21-8-0) enter with the NHL’s second-best record and are riding a wave of stellar goaltending. The Predators (10-18-0), near the bottom of the Western Conference, are seeking consistency and revenge for a shutout loss to Colorado just over two weeks ago. Colorado defeated the Predators 3-0 in Nashville on Nov. 22, part of a dominant stretch for the Avalanche. They have won seven of their last eight games, including a 3-2 victory at Philadelphia on Sunday. Goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood, a key player to watch, earned that win with 24 saves. He has been a wall for Colorado, posting a 7-1-0 record in his last eight starts with a .941 save percentage, including a 35-save shutout against these same Predators. “We’re playing with confidence and structure,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “When you get saves like we are, it allows you to play your game.” Nathan MacKinnon, who had an assist Sunday, and Valeri Nichushkin, who scored a goal, continue to drive Colorado’s offense. The Predators are coming off a 6-3 loss at Carolina on Saturday. Captain Filip Forsberg had a goal and an assist in that defeat and remains the focal point of Nashville’s attack. He was held without a point in the previous meeting with Colorado, managing four shots on goal. “We have to be better in front of our net, both offensively and defensively,” Predators coach Andrew Brunette said. “Colorado is a top team for a reason. We need a complete response.” Nashville has shown flashes, winning three of its last six games, but has struggled to string victories together. They will need to solve Blackwood, who has stopped 59 of 59 Predators shots he has faced this season. The game is the first of a home-and-home set, with the teams meeting again in Denver on Saturday. Lineup notes: Colorado defenseman Cale Makar, who missed Sunday’s game for maintenance, is expected to return to the lineup. Nashville defenseman Ryan McDonagh is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.