Nashville Predators News

The Predators sent Saros down over the weekend to get him a few starts because he has sat as Pekka Rinne’s backup for the majority of the season so far. The 22-year-old, who has struggled his four NHL appearance so far, didn’t fare much better in the AHL, giving up seven goals on 52 shots (.912 SV%). Saros is still a developing, young goalie with a bright future ahead of him, but until he turns it around this season he is better left on the waiver wire.

It looked like Saros would have a chance to carve out a nice role this season after going 10-8-3 with a 2.35 GAA and .923 SV% last year. This year did not start well, with the 22-year-old going 1-3-0 with a 3.94 GAA and .855 SV% in his first four starts. Anders Lindback has been recalled to serve as the Predators No.2 netminder.

Kerfoot has averaged 12:57 TOI/GM in his first 14 games of the season, but played 20:49 TOI after Duchene was traded mid-game in Brooklyn. The rookie centre has five goals and four assists (nine points) to start his NHL career and will have even more opportunities now that he takes Duchene’s spot on the second line.

Josi missed the last three games with a lower-body injury, but was on the ice for the Predators’ morning skate and could return to the lineup tonight vs. Colorado. The Predators were able to go 2-0-1 without Josi, so getting him back will make them that much better. He is still looking for his first point after being held pointless with seven shots and a minus-3 rating in his first two games.

Josi stepped out onto the ice for the Predators morning skate, but took part on the fourth pairing and will be held out of the lineup for the second straight day. With Josi out, Samuel Girard will remain in the lineup. Josi said that he doesn’t expect his injury to keep him out for long.

Josi missed Monday’s practice for “maintenance” but was also not on the ice for today’s morning skate which puts his status for tonight’s game in question. Samuel Girard is expected to make his NHL debut tonight regardless of Josi’s status. Monitor Josi’s status during pre-game warmups.

Saros will start in Pittsburgh because Pekka Rinne has never won a game (regular season or playoffs) in Pittsburgh, so they will roll the dice with the 22-year-old. Saros had a really good season as Rinne’s backup last year, going 10-8-3 with a 2.35 GAA, .923 SV% and one shutout. The Penguins haven’t had a good start to the season, but that might be a reason to stay away from Saros—they will be a motivated team after getting embarrassed on Thursday.