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Nashville Predators News

Annunen will start in Columbus on Tuesday.

The Predators are on the tail-end of a back-to-back on Tuesday, so they will turn to backup netminder Justus Annunen between the pipes. Annunen turned in a solid performance in his last start, stopping 21 of the 23 shots he faced in a 4-2 win over the Blackhawks on Thursday. The 25-year-old carries a 6-7-2 record and an .885 SV% into Tuesday night's matchup, where the Preds enter action at +115 on the money line.

Justus Annunen
Saros will start vs. Detroit on Monday.

Saros played well in his previous outing, but was the victim of a defensive team breakdown in overtime, ultimately allowing the third goal on his 25th shot (.880 SV%) in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars. The 30-year-old Finnish goalie was tremendous while representing his country at the Olympics, but he has not seen that same success at the NHL level this season. He has an ugly 4.53 GAA and .861 SV% in his last eight appearances (2-2-3). The Predators enter Monday's contest as slight -107 home favourites against the Detroit Red Wings.

Juuse Saros
Annunen will start against the Blackhawks on Thursday.

The Predators are giving Juuse Saros an extra night off after his busy Olympic break, so it will be Annunen between the pipes on Thursday. Annunen's last start came back on February 5th when he allowed four goals on 30 shots in a 4-2 loss to the Capitals. The 25-year-old netminder has appeared in 18 games this season, registering a 5-7-2 record and an .884 SV%. The Preds enter action on Thursday at -175 on the money line.

Justus Annunen
Haula (olympics) will be a game-time decision vs. Chicago on Thursday.

Haula was a surprising contributor for Team Finland at the Olympics, scoring six points (3G / 3A) in six games to help them win a Bronze Medal. Still, he may not be ready to play when Nashville returns to action on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 34-year-old Haula has 29 points (9G / 20A) in 57 games with the Predators this season.

Erik Haula
Saros (olympics) will be a game-time decision vs. Chicago on Thursday.

Saros was excellent for Team Finland at the Olympics, helping them win a Bronze Medal, but he may not be ready to suit up when Nashville returns to action on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 30-year-old Saros has not had the same success at the NHL level this season and was particularly struggling heading into the Olympic break, allowing three or more goals in nine consecutive appearances (4-2-2) while posting an ugly 4.31 GAA and .875 SV%.

Juuse Saros
Nashville has signed Jake Lucchini to a one-year, two-way contract extension worth $850,000.

Lucchini has spent the entire 2025-26 season in the AHL but has impressed, earning himself a one-year, two-way contract extension after scoring 38 points (13G / 25A) in 48 games with the Milwaukee Admirals. The undrafted 30-year-old forward played three games with the Predators last season and has six points (3G / 3A) in 54 career NHL games.

Jake Lucchini
Saros will start Friday vs. Sweden.

Saros was not very sharp in Finland's tournament opening loss to Slovakia, allowing three goals on 24 shots. That will not discourage Finland from coming back to their No.1 goalie in a massive game vs. Their rivals from Sweden. Saros and Finland enter the game as +160 underdogs.

Juuse Saros