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Nashville Predators: Too Much of a Good Thing in the Crease?

By Kyle Fleming

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) defends the net against the St. Louis Blues during the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) defends the net against the St. Louis Blues during the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /

Outstanding back-up goaltending

Kevin Lankinen has been a delightful surprise as the back-up to Saros this season. Almost too good to be quite honest. Due to how effective he has been, it is only a matter of time until he gets paid somewhere else and is no longer in a Nashville Predators sweater.

Lankinen has been called upon 11 times in the 2022-23 season for the Predators. He has been a huge part of the success on back-to-back sets. Lankinen’s record is 4-1-1 on the second half of back-to-backs.

Related Story. Kevin Lankinen's Unbelievable Play. light

Lankinen’s 2.64 GAA and .924 save percentage is what has been so impressive about him. The Predators know that any night they have to rely on “Lanks” he is going to give them an opportunity to win.

This strength in a back-up goalie is not something the Predators have been used to coming off last season with David Rittich backing up Saros. Last season with Rittich in net, the Predators went 6-3-4.

The combination of Saros and Lankinen is arguably the best goaltending duo in the NHL. It’s difference between having zero chance at the postseason and thinking draft lottery odds and actually having a chance to finish in the top-three of the Central Division.

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