Juuse Saros was the rightful successor to Pekka Rinne's Hall of Fame career, and for years he repaid the Nashville Predators' trust with workhorse seasons. For three straight seasons, the Finnish goaltender played 64+ games and posted a save percentage above .906, but for the past two, his numbers have dropped considerably. The Predators needed him to bounce back big if they were going to be competitive this season.
As if Rinne's special induction year gave some extra motivation, Saros has been a pillar for Nashville. With Justus Annunen providing him with plenty of support, he now owns a 2.62 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage over 12 appearances. He might not be able to give the Predators 64+ starts anymore, but if he can give them a solid 50 like other great starters around the league, the team will be better for it.
Saros' ability to take over the net from someone like Rinne shows just how special of a goalie he can be when he is at the top of his game. It is fitting that he's rediscovering his game with his former mentor in the spotlight for his Hockey Hall of Fame induction on Monday night, and it gives members of the organization a chance to reflect on the pair's relationship.
"“Externally, the world might see that they’ve got a good relationship, or it looks like he takes care of the young guy, but the reality is, players know players, and Pekka Rinne knew that Juuse Saros was going to be a real good goalie - and for lack of better terms, he probably knew he was going to be a threat."Predators goalie coach, Ben Vanderklok
The relationship isn't lost on Saros either, and it seems like Rinne is still someone who the fellow Finn relies on for leadership. Is it a coincidence that Saros' best season is coinciding with the old starter being around the team a bit more? According to the current starter, their relationship is still special today.
"“That was pretty surreal. I remember the first time meeting him, my hands were shaking. It was a pretty nerve-wracking moment, but obviously it was pretty special. Then to be able to play with him, and then becoming friends, I was lucky, and it’s still special.”"Juuse Saros
The Predators have a goalie near the top in many rankings again, and it’s not surprising that success has followed. While it'll be Rinne's special night on Monday, Nashville and Saros can honor his legacy with a playoff trip this season, and potentially a Vezina finalist run.
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