Nashville Predators: Important Takeaways from Training Camp

By Chad Minton | Oct 7, 2021

May 21, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game three of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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Shaking off the rust between the pipes

Juuse Saros has played in the last two preseason games for the Predators and hasn’t disappointed. He played in both game wire-to-wire and made a combined 56 saves on 59 shots faced.

I’d say that’s a good way to get yourself ready for the season-opener and get that confidence to a high level for the real deal against the Seattle Kraken. Preferably I’d like Saros to get a little more action in the final preseason game, and let backup David Rittich play the last two periods on Saturday.

Saros has to break the curse of starting off seasons slow. Even with a decent safety net lining up behind him with Rittich, it’s still paramount that Saros doesn’t miss a beat right out of the gate.

It may just be preseason, but Saros has gone against some stiff competition this so far, particularly against Carolina in what had the feels of a regular season game has he made 40 saves.

Saros should be a leading candidate for the Vezina Trophy this year assuming he avoids the notorious slow start. He looks like he’s in midseason form already.

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