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Nashville Predators: Three Things That Have Fueled the Resurgence

By Chad Minton

Nashville Predators right wing Eeli Tolvanen (28) celebrates with teammates after a power play goal during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators right wing Eeli Tolvanen (28) celebrates with teammates after a power play goal during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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A one-two goaltending punch

The Nashville Predators don’t have one, but two worthy goaltenders that can steal games for them. I realize that Pekka Rinne’s numbers mediocre on their surface, but a lot of it was blown up before this recent surge that we’re talking about now.

Then there’s Juuse Saros, who has been arguably the best goaltender in the NHL since he returned from injury on March 18 against the Florida Panthers and posted the 41-save shutout.

Since then, Saros has played like a Vezina Trophy goaltender. Check out this trend shared from NHL PR:

I don’t care how limited your team may be in terms of offensive weapons or coaching style or whatever, when your goaltender is giving up just one goal or fewer you’re going to win a lot of games.

Saros is now listed as day-to-day, so the Predators might once again have to lean heavily on Rinne for the short term:


Rinne has given up his fair share of goals he maybe should’ve had, but he followed that up with another solid victory over the Blackhawks last night.

To be blunt, the Predators need Saros back quickly or this thing might come to a screeching halt. Rinne can’t start every game and keep the Predators surge going, but he can do enough to keep the Predators from free falling until Saros can return to the starting lineup.

What really gets you pumped up is if this goaltending surge can continue into a possible playoff appearance. We all know what hot goaltending can do for your hopes of making a deep playoff run.

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