Predators continue domination over Oilers
You don’t see domination on the level of 13-straight wins over a certain opponent very often. Especially over one that’s supposed to be making a jump and has plenty of young talent. That’s the Oilers, and I’m still expecting them to make the playoffs. However, the Predators have always had their number. This particular game was a dominant win that you don’t see very often in the NHL. Even lopsided games on paper usually end up being close.
This win put Nashville at 7-1 and gave Juuse Saros one of his best performances of his NHL career. A 31-save effort and his fifth shutout with the Predators. The great Connor McDavid was held without a point, which is astounding. It’s worth noting that the Oilers have since ended their losing streak to Nashville with a win a week later.
Even though the Oilers aren’t in the Predators’ division, this is another win that will be very valuable later in the season against a Western Conference foe who will be in the mix for the playoffs. Shutouts are hard to come by in today’s league no matter who the opponent. Anytime Saros can put together these kinds of performances, we can be comforted at knowing we’re in good hands after Rinne retires.