Nashville Predators Take Down Chicago: Three Difference-Makers in Shootout Win
Predators Have Back-to-Back Wins after Shootout Thriller over Blackhawks
Juuse Saros Makes Clutch Saves When Needed
Preds vs. Blackhawks Difference Makers
It's not a secret that Juuse Saros has looked shaky for the most part in 2023-24. Coming into this matchup against the Blackhawks, Saros was looking to carry over arguably his best start of the season in a 34-save win over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.
This isn't what I would call a strong defensive performance from the Predators. They let the Blackhawks get loose on way too many odd man rushes and in the slot. Although Saros did get beat on some tricky pucks to deal with, he also made some very difficult saves in critical moments.
Perhaps no moment was more critical then in overtime when Connor Bedard got loose and it was just Saros that was in the rookie phenom's way of making all of the highlight reels.
The Blackhawks finish with 14 high danger chances against Saros, while the Predators managed only 10. Towards the end of regulation and overtime, Saros had to be at his best.
This would have been a crushing loss to a last place team if Saros lets one by and the Predators leave with no points in the standings.
Saros has now won six of his last seven starts and is beginning to gradually get back into the form that we've come to expect from him since he took over for Pekka Rinne in 2021.
Next Man Up, Mark Jankowski Delivering for Preds
Mark Jankowksi is earning every minute of ice time he's getting right now as the Predators try to navigate the long-term injuries of Tommy Novak and Cody Glass.
Jankowksi has been called up for the last two games and is showing that aggressive style of play that Head Coach Andrew Brunette preaches constantly. Driving the net, being a menace on the forecheck, and just being smart with puck management.
Last season as the Predators gutted the core of their lineup through trades and with some injuries as well, Jankowski came in for valuable minutes and put up seven goals. However, it was unclear if he'd be brought back in the offseason.
It's paying off at least through the first two games from Jankowski. It is so valuable to a team when they can call up reliable veterans when injuries to the core happens. Jankowski has shown numerous times he can be relied upon.
Jankowski's first goal of 2023-24, and his milestone 50th career NHL goal, comes just 26 seconds after Luke Evangelista had tied the game at 1-1. A product of Jankowski driving the net for a rebound opportunity.
A crafty and greasy goal from Jankowksi. He's earning his right to stay in the starting lineup until Glass or Novak returns. This leaves it difficult for Liam Foudy and Cole Smith to get back in.
Ryan O'Reilly Continues to be the Leader on the Ice for Preds
Another game from Ryan O'Reilly where he steps up on the Predators power play, shows in-game leadership, and ultimately helps deliver the final blow with a nifty shootout goal.
O'Reilly has 12 goals on the season, only trailing Forsberg for the team lead. In this game against the Blackhawks, he ends up leading the team in Expected Goals and wins nine faceoffs
In high pressure situations where a win is hanging in the balance, having a battle tested veteran like O'Reilly is a must. He's proving to be so invaluable to the Predators in these situations. He's just a wise player who is basically an extension of the head coach while he's on the ice.
O'Reilly is right on pace to finish right at or even beat his career high in points for a season. He's on pace for 72 points, with his NHL career high being 77 point in 2018-19, the year he won the Conn Smythe and hoisted the first Stanley Cup for the St. Louis Blues.
The Stanley Cup is far fetched for this Predators team in 2024, but having O'Reilly to go to battle with in these close games is going to continue to pay dividends and lead to more wins.