Nashville Predators Turn in a Stellar Defensive Performance
This doesn’t happen often, but the Nashville Predators easily owned the shot margins against the Jets, who boasted a top-10 scoring offense coming in.
At 5v5 even strength, the Predators outshot the Jets 38-28. A manageable night for Juuse Saros, while Connor Hellebuyck was tested often.
Aside from the early goal given up in the first 60 seconds, the Predators defensive structure made it extremely difficult for Jets skaters to get into the high danger areas and really test Saros. Only 11 high danger chances allowed, while the Predators managed 17 of their own at 5v5 even strength.
This had the makings of the classic goalie duel as both Saros and Hellebuyck are workhorses for the respective teams and two viable choices to be Vezina Trophy nominations later this year.
Which team was going to protect their goaltender more effectively and make life a little easier on their world class goaltender? The Predators, who rarely win that battle, won it on this night against the Jets.
Saros still sprinkled in some incredible saves to hold the Jets to one goal. It’s the third time in the last five games that the Jets have been held to one goal.