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Nashville Predators: Four bold predictions for the 2018-19 season

By Corey Francis

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 29: The Nashville Predators win 5-4 in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 29: The Nashville Predators win 5-4 in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 23: Chris Kunitz #14 of the Tampa Bay Lightning shoots wide of the net against a sprawling Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on January 23, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 23: Chris Kunitz #14 of the Tampa Bay Lightning shoots wide of the net against a sprawling Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on January 23, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Vezina-worthy performance

One of the strong points for the Nashville Predators is their goaltending tandem. Both Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros finished among the league leaders in save percentage and shutouts. Rinne was stellar most of the season in high-danger save percentages. Saros was actually slightly better. According to Corsica Hockey, the duo was the third best in the NHL.

With 42 wins in 59 games, Rinne earned the Predators’ first performance-based award, the Vezina Trophy. But during the playoffs, opponents were able to find holes in Rinne’s defense or catch him off-guard. The aging goalie showed he can still play at high levels, but father time is calling.

Saros is the goalie-in-waiting. And his time has come. I fully expect Saros to get closer to 50% of the starts this season, especially is Rinne show signs for fatigue or struggles.

Bold Prediction: Saros stats will be Vezina-worthy

Now, let me clarify. I do not expect Saros to win the Vezina. But, I think his play is comparable to those in the running for the trophy. Saros will start closer to 40 games, winning 25. He will finish with a .927 save percentage, 2.21 goals against average, and 5 shutouts. While he will not accumulate enough minutes to contend for the Vezina, his play will be on the level of the finalists.

dark. Next. Roster trimmed to 23

And there you have four bold predictions for the season. Will they happen? Maybe. If they do, watch out. The Nashville Predators will certainly make a run at the Cup.

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