Juuse Saros and Ukko-Pekka Luukonen were the best players for their respective teams in Nashville's 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

While it is a new chapter for the Nashville Predators with a new head coach, new roster, and new system, last night the team got a throwback performance from Juuse Saros in net. Saros saved 34 of 35 shots and helped the Predators keep their lead through a back and forth third period to secure a 2-1 win.

It has been an up and down stretch for Saros recently in net. After a few tough games against teams like Anaheim and Arizona, the 28-year-old net minder put together three strong performances against Calgary, Winnipeg, and Pittsburgh before being pulled in the second period of the game against the Minnesota Wild last Thursday. Back up Kevin Lankinen got the start in net against the New York Rangers in Saturday afternoon's game, but when Saros stepped back on the ice in Buffalo he played a "vintage Saros" game coming up with big saves on quality chances. The only goal he allowed was a penalty shot by Victor Olofsson in the second period. Saros played well enough in net to help Nashville hang on to their one goal lead. 

Saros wasn't the only goaltender playing well Sunday night. Buffalo's Ukkko-Pekka Luukkonen came up with big saves on quality chances and net front flurries to keep his team in the game right up until the final buzzer. 

"We had trouble putting that third goal in," Brunette said of the close game. "Their goaltender played real well, too."