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Nashville Predators: Top Contributors In Playoff Push

By Rich Howe

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 17: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators talks to Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators while leaving the game in the first period against the Dallas Stars of Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 17, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 17: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators talks to Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators while leaving the game in the first period against the Dallas Stars of Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 17, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Juuse Saros and Pekka Rinne

Although he got off to a bad start this season, Juuse Saros has become one of the top goaltenders in the NHL. Under the tutelage of Predators veteran Pekka Rinne, Saros has become Nashville’s franchise goaltender for the foreseeable future.

When we look at this season and the turnaround that the Predators made to get into the playoffs, one of the most significant factors was Saros. He has played so well that had he not missed some games due to injury, he would be a top-two pick for the Vezina trophy.

Rinne is included in this turnaround conversation as well. When Saros was injured, Rinne kept the ship afloat until Saros’ return and made several vital saves to keep the playoff hopes alive. While not seeing as many starts this season, Rinne has been there to coach and mentor Saros through this incredible run.

And while Saros does have some playoff experience, it is limited. He saw starts in all four of Nashville’s postseason games last year, only picking up one victory.

But last season is just a memory, as are the struggles from this season that plagued the Predators and Saros. They are a different team now, and Saros has stepped into the starter role quite nicely.

It is now time for Saros to carry the torch left by Rinne and lead this team to greater things in the future.

Must Read. Nashville Predators: How the Playoff Roster Should be Built. light

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