Avalanche's Varlamov stops 23 shots, earns shutout in 3-0 win over Predators

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov, of Russia, uses his glove to cover the puck as he falls to the ice after stopping a shot against the Nashville Predators in the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov, left, of Russia, stops a breakaway shot off the stick of Nashville Predators left wing Gabriel Bourque in the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

DENVER – Semyon Varlamov made 23 saves for his fourth shutout of the season, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Nashville Predators 3-0 on Friday night.

Jarome Iginla, Maxime Talbot, and Gabriel Landeskog had goals for the Avalanche, who earned an important win in their pursuit of a playoff berth.

Colorado is trying to stay in the thick of the race after a slow start to the season. The Avalanche are two points behind Calgary for the second wild-card position in the Western Conference but they have played one more game than the Flames.

Colorado improved to 8-3-3 in its last 14 games and has moved into fifth place in the Central Division. The Avalanche earned three of a possible four points against the division-leading Predators.

Nashville's Marek Mazanec made 25 saves in his first start of the season.