The role of an NHL goaltender is one of the most complicated in all of sports. While hockey is a team game, ultimately the success or failure of a franchise can be dictated by goaltending. A great goaltender can steal games that a team has no right winning, while a bad game or two can
Predators Goaltending
In the 2022 offseason, the NHL witnessed a flurry of goaltending moves, with the Central Division seeing a lot of the action. In all, seven of the eight teams in the division made a move to acquire either a new starter or a new backup into the mix. For this series, we are going to
The NHL may be the only show in town for hockey fans in North America, but consider that the 2021-22 Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) season is already underway, across the world. If you’re looking for your fix, rest assured the KHL has got you covered, with players like the following five currently plying their trade
The Nashville Predators had many options heading into free agency and players that they needed to decide to get rid of or bring back. They re-signed forward Mikael Granlund to a four-year contract worth $5 million average annual value (AAV), which was hit or miss depending on who you ask. However, with Pekka Rinne deciding
The 2020-21 NHL season is underway and it’s about one-fifth complete. With the shortened season and the compressed schedule, games are happening rapidly with shorter turnover than usual. This is giving some NHL backup goaltenders a higher percentage of ice-time, earlier in the season than they would typically experience. In more than one location, backup
Pekka Rinne was born on Nov. 3, 1982, in Kempele, Finland, and was drafted in the fourth round at 258th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators. Before becoming Nashville’s starting goalie in the 2008-09 season, he played in the SM-liiga for Kärpät. His best season with them was in 2004-05,
Pekka Rinne was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft at 258th overall. He has since become the franchise leader in wins, shutouts, has been an All-Star four times, Vezina finalist three times and Vezina winner once in 2018. That is incredible value for a player who had 257 players selected
Coming into the 2019-20 season, the Nashville Predators had arguably the most dynamic goaltender tandem in the NHL. Pekka Rinne, 37 years old, was solidified as their starter and one of the top goalies in the league, while talented backup Juuse Saros, 25 years old, was just on the horizon as Rinne’s replacement. It looked
It has been known for a while now that Juuse Saros is the Nashville Predators’ future goalie. The young Finn has backed up long-time Predators’ great Pekka Rinne for the past three-plus seasons, waiting, learning and developing. But with a career spanning more than 10 seasons, Rinne is clearly on the tail end of his
Saturday was a very busy and eventful day across the National Hockey League with 20 teams in action. The hottest team and goalie in the league continued their streaks in Philadelphia. There was an emotional retirement ceremony in Florida. Plus, some new life in Nashville after back-to-back shutouts. Hart, Flyers Continue to Roll The Philadelphia
It wasn’t supposed to go this way. Ever since Juuse Saros’ introduction to the NHL, most knew he was going to be the Nashville Predators’ succession plan after Pekka Rinne. Saros waited patiently behind Rinne, allowing for the Predators to make the transition slowly and smoothly. Saros has seen more starts each season since entering
The Nashville Predators got a shutout from one of their goaltenders, which will appear to the struggling franchise like manna from heaven. We’ll discuss that and then dive into this week’s week in review ahead. Saros Rebounds for Predators When Peter Laviolette was fired on Monday, many analysts were quick to point out the paltry
Thursday gave us a full schedule across the National Hockey League and it was a very good night for goaltenders. Some of the top performances included a pair of shutouts and a rare goalie goal! Rinne Scores Versus Blackhawks The Nashville Predators were in Chicago last night to take on the Blackhawks in a big
Black Friday not only provided American shoppers with great deals, but it also supplied hockey fans with a day of National Hockey League action. The full slate of games gave us a couple of shutouts and a huge performance in Dallas. We also have a fun celebration form overseas. Rinne Keeps Nashville Rolling The
DENVER — This classifies as fun for Frederik Andersen: Protecting a late lead in the third period by leaping out of his net to stop a shot with the handle of his stick. Sticky situation handled. “Doing whatever it takes to save it,” the Toronto goaltender explained after the 3-2 win Monday over Boston. “Fun