tennessean
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros experienced a whirlwind four days that included three cities, two victories, and a Hall of Fame celebration. After stopping 24 shots in a 3-1 win over the St. Louis Blues in Nashville on Nov. 7, Saros traveled to Toronto to witness his mentor Pekka Rinne's induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 9. The following night, he recorded his first shutout in almost two years, making 30 saves in a 3-0 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena.
"Yeah it's been a busy couple of days," Saros said. "Obviously a very special night last night and then good as well tonight."
The victory over the Kings was the Predators' fifth straight, improving their record to 9-4-5 (23 points) and moving them into third place in the Central Division. Saros' personal record now stands at 6-3-4, and his .918 save percentage ranks eighth in the NHL.
Nashville built a 2-0 lead on two goals by Filip Forsberg, both assisted by Nils Hoglander, in the first and second periods. The Predators' defense, which has improved significantly since a rocky start to the season, limited most of Los Angeles' shots to the perimeter. "A lot of big blocks and a good penalty kill," Saros said. "Good sticks all around me. I always appreciate that."
The Kings' best chances came in the third period, with several scrambles in front of the Nashville net forcing Saros to react quickly. The toughest sequence came on back-to-back shots by Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke with about 2:30 remaining and the Kings playing with an empty net. Shortly after those saves, a long-range clear by Predators' Adam Wilsby fluttered into the empty net to seal the 3-0 win.
It was Saros' first shutout since Jan. 3, 2025—a notable feat given the travel-heavy stretch. "With our schedule and things kind of moving all around, sometimes you can't control everything. We're kind of used to things not always being perfect," he said.
Next up, the Predators visit the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Nov. 11 at 9 p.m. CT (The Spot Nashville 28).
Originally reported by tennessean.