Who’s Hot with the Nashville Predators with the Season Near the End

Mar 12, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Nashville Predators forward Kiefer Sherwood (44) celebrates with Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) after defeating Anaheim Ducks 5-4 in the overtime at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Nashville Predators forward Kiefer Sherwood (44) celebrates with Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) after defeating Anaheim Ducks 5-4 in the overtime at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Lankinen

Now I know that during the third quarter, Kevin Lankinen only played in four games between the pipes for Nashville, but what he did in those four games was remarkable.

Lankinen had a record of 3-1-0 over this stretch, had a 2.0 goals against average, and posted an astounding .934 save percentage. For a back-up goaltender in this league, that is some pretty good numbers.

Over the course of the entire season, Lankinen has a 2.46 goals against average and .925 save percentage. Coming off a season last year where the Nashville Predators had David Rittich as a back up to Juuse Saros, the addition of Lankinen has paid dividends this season and has provided much needed confidence for the organization when they go to their back up.

Having signed Lankinen now through the end of next season, the tandem of Saros and Lankinen will be a force to be reckoned with against their opponents. Together, they make one of the best goaltender tandems in the league.