Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros was named an NHL All Star earlier today, and this evening he earned the Preds a shocking win over the Carolina Hurricanes, making 64 saves on 67 shots. That is a career and franchise save record for Saros and the Predators.
Juuse Saros didn’t start the season in All Star form. The 27-year-old Finnish net minder has a reputation for being a slow starter, and Saros struggled in a handful of early games. Saros posted a sub .900 save percentage in two games against Dallas and a Philly loss in October. In early November, Saros was pulled after allowing 4 goals in the first 16:25 against the Seattle Kraken.
By mid November, Saros had finally shaken off the early season rust and dust and helped Nashville earn five wins in the remainder of the month. December was an up and down month for the Predators, but Saros played well in his 10 starts, earning a .923 save percentage and 2.51 GAA. He helped the Preds open 2023 with a win Tuesday night over the Montreal Canadiens.
And then last night happened.
The Nashville Predators headed out on a five game road trip that began in Raleigh against one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now. The Carolina Hurricanes entered last night’s game off of a loss to the New York Rangers that snapped their eleven game win streak – the longest in franchise history. Andrei Svechnikov, Martin Necas, and Sebastian Aho led the team in scoring, but the Canes are a team with offensive weapons up and down their lineup. The Predators knew it would be a battle, but after sixty minutes of high intensity hockey, it was goaltender Juuse Saros who stole the show.
Saros faced 67 shots – the most shots in an NHL game this season – and came up with 64 saves to give the Nashville Predators the win. It was a barrage of offense from the Hurricanes, and Saros spent much of the game under pressure. Carolina dominated not just the shot count – 67 shots to Nashville’s 25 – but also time of possession and chances with a 68.97% Corsi For. The Hurricanes recorded 19 high danger chances to Nashville’s 6, and Carolina’s xGF of 4.6 to Nashville’s 1.7 tells the statistical story of a game that was absolutely stolen by the play of Saros.
The Predators walked away with two valuable points while Saros became the fourth goalie to make at least 64 saves in a regular season game since 1955-56. Saros will get a much deserved night off tonight as the Predators face Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in the second game of their back to back on this five game road trip. Back up Kevin Lankinen will get the start in net tonight.
Related Reading:
Predators – 5, Hurricanes – 3: Juuse Saros Makes Record 64 aves and Steals Win for Preds
Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Three Keys to the Game
Predators – 6, Canadiens – 3: Six Predators Score in Confidence Boosting Win Over Montreal
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