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Nashville Predators: Goalies highlight this weeks Power Rankings

By Corey Francis

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 27: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators makes the save against Matt Calvert #11 of the Colorado Avalanche at Bridgestone Arena on November 27, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 27: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators makes the save against Matt Calvert #11 of the Colorado Avalanche at Bridgestone Arena on November 27, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 25: Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks, held on November 25, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 25: Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks, held on November 25, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Battle for the top

Record: 14-6-4

Points: 32

Oh, I can hear it now. “But, we beat the Nashville Predators last night.” I applaud you, but this is a season-long assessment. The Avs have won five straight. Their goalie play is not hurting them. Semyon Varlamov is holding his own against the league. His .928 SV% is the best of his career. Last year, he finished with a GSAA of 11.99. So far, he has a 9.37 rating this year. Not bad. Could he repeat his 2013-14 season, when he was Vezina Finalist? Maybe, If he does, the Avs will make a strong push for a Stanley Cup appearance.

Record: 17-7-1

Points: 35

As of right now, the Predators stay atop our rankings. Sure, call it a “homer” move, but look at the evidence. The roster is missing three crucial players and still staying afloat. And, then, there is Pekka Rinne. After winning the Vezina Trophy last season, the 36-year-old Rinne is showing no signs of slowing. Check the 5v5 stats:

SV%: .954 (1st)
MDSV%: .946 (1st)
HDSV%: .863 (7th)
GSAA: 10.3 (2nd)

dark. Next. Best of the first 20 games

The Nashville Predators do rely on Rinne and Juuse Saros quite a bit. With a depleted roster, it has only been worse. Still, Rinne is the best goalie in the Western Conference.

And, in the NHL.

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