Juuse Saros stopped 31 shots in a clutch performance Saturday night, propelling the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 comeback victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Jonathan Marchessault’s third-period deflection snapped a 1-1 tie, extending Nashville’s win streak while halting Colorado’s momentum in the tight Central Division race.
The Avalanche struck first with Sam Malinski’s power-play goal early in the second period, but Justin Barron countered just 30 seconds later.
That rebound play was textbook perseverance,said Predators coach Andrew Brunette regarding Marchessault’s game-winner. When Saros gives us that foundation, we can weather any storm.
Key factors in Nashville’s victory:
- Saros’ .969 save percentage against NHL’s 3rd-ranked offense
- Colorado’s 4-minute penalty kill to close the game
- Central Division teams separated by just 4 points
Colorado’s Artturi Lehkonen took a costly double-minor for high-sticking with 2:17 remaining, derailing their comeback efforts. The Avalanche outshot Nashville 32-17 but couldn’t solve Saros in critical moments.
With the win, Nashville moves within 5 points of a wild card spot. Saros, who entered Saturday on a 5-game losing skid, told reporters: This is the standard we need every night. The playoffs start now for us.
Both teams face Sunday tests:
- Avalanche visit St. Louis Blues (8-3-1 last 10 games)
- Predators host New Jersey Devils’ top-10 power play
