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Nashville Predators: Five Takeaways from Five Preseason Games

By Chad Minton

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 22: Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the second period of the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning on September 22, 2018, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 22: Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the second period of the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning on September 22, 2018, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Pekka Rinne or Juuse Saros?

I didn’t expect to get a firm answer from this debate just from the preseason. However, I think we’re unfortunately in store for a drop-off from Pekka Rinne. It doesn’t mean he won’t single-handedly win some games, but I don’t see another Vezina Trophy performance. It’s going to be Juuse Saros‘ net before too long.

The roles are going to reverse for these two. Saros is going to become the primary goaltender while Rinne will provide as a quality backup that can confidently be relied on. This is an ideal situation to be in for the Predators and one that many teams would love to be in. There’s no controversy here as Rinne is a class act that wants what’s best for the team. That’s giving Saros the majority of the starts. I’m not so sure that ends up happening, but that’s what I would do. Obviously, Laviolette knows more than me about this whole coaching hockey thing so I’ll trust he makes the right decision.

For what it’s worth, Rinne has 64 saves on 73 shots faced in three preseason games so far. I don’t expect to see him in the preseason finale as Saros will probably see most of the action. Saros has looked a little sharper with a 24-save shutout in the preseason-opener against Florida but did look shaky against Tampa Bay giving up three goals on 21 shots faced.

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