Avs take 3-0 series lead over Predators but lose Kuemper

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) is helped off the ice after getting injured during the first period in Game 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Nashville Predators Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

Posted: May 7, 2022 / 09:48 PM MDT

Updated: May 7, 2022 / 09:48 PM MDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gabriel Landeskog scored twice in the second period, and the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche beat the Nashville Predators 7-3 for a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference series.

Landeskog also had two assists. Nazem Kadri and Devon Toews each added a goal and an assist. Artturi Lehkonen and Nathan MacKinnon scored a power-play goal apiece as Colorado pushed Nashville to the brink of elimination.

Avalanche goalie Darcy Kuemper was hurt with a minute left in the first period. The Predators have never been swept in 14 previous playoff appearances. Game 4 is Monday night in Nashville.