DENVER (AP) — The surging Nashville Predators gave themselves a little breathing room in the Western Conference playoff race. Pekka Rinne made 27 saves and the Predators beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 on Thursday night to pass Anaheim, jumping from seventh place into a tie for fifth with Los Angeles with four games left. Martin Erat had a goal and an assist and Colin Wilson and Jordin Tootoo also scored to help the Predators win for the ninth time in 11 games.