Apr 20, 2018; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) watches Colorado Avalanche right wing Sven Andrighetto (10) score a goal during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche were under five minutes away from having their season end on Friday night, trailing the Nashville Predators 1-0 in Game 5 of their first-round series.

But the Avs looked like the desperate, hungry team they were in the moment, and kicked it up a notch in the final minutes.

The Avs had a tremendous, lengthy shift going in the Predators’ zone, and were rewarded for it when Gabriel Landeskog scored on a beautiful feed from Nathan MacKinnon with 4:11 remaining.

And with 1:28 left, the Avs scored what would serve as the game-winning, season-saving goal on this rebound from Sven Andrighetto:

Oh, and this was all with the Avs playing their third-string goalie, Andrew Hammond. The 30-year-old stopped 44 of 45 Nashville shots in a brilliant performance.

So, there will be a Game 6, and that will take place in Denver. The Avs will certainly have the momentum and crowd on their side as they try to force a Game 7.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.