Predators Shock Maple Leafs: Special Teams, Saros Steal OT Win
The Nashville Predators survived at five on five but were able to steal the win with terrific goaltending from Juuse Saros and solid special teams execution.
After a lackluster performance in their Thursday night loss to the Vancouver Canucks, the Nashville Predators hoped to play a better game Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. With offensive weapons like William Nylander, Austin Matthews, and John Tavares, the Predators knew they would need strong goaltending from Juuse Saros.
Saros's performance was clutch in another somewhat sloppy start to the game, and Nashville's special teams kept the game close through regulation. In overtime, the Predators won the initial face-off and didn't surrender possession until Roman Josi ended the game with a goal from the high slot.
Andrew Brunette has been working on the power play all week in practice shifting players on units and into different positions. The changes helped the Predators score on two of their five chances. Nashville's has one of the worst penalty kills through the first month of the season, but the PK came up big against one of the very best power plays in the league.
It was not a perfect win for the Predators, but the 3-2 overtime victory and improvements on special teams gives the team a much needed confidence boost as they prepare for a five game road trip. Nashville will face Vancouver for the second time in less than a week on Tuesday night.