They both just take it one game at a time no matter the time of season. Even if they’ve both contributed to a season-altering seven-game winning streak.
Goaltenders Juuse Saros and Kevin Lankinen have been staples in the lineup this season and are now in the middle of an active winning streak hoping to make a push for the playoffs.
Saros said for him it’s been about the minute details in his game being sharp to maintain the standard of play fans have seen in the last 13 days.
“Reading where all the players are and stuff like that always helps so you don’t get surprised that often,” Saros said. “That’s kind of the foundation, knowing where guys are then you can move precisely too.”
Every game is hard to win in the NHL and for Saros, he’s treating this streak like he would any game.
“You can take some confidence when things are going well but obviously you can’t get too high either,” Saros said.
Juuse Saros getting warmed up against the Minnesota Wild on Feb. 29. 2024.
During his latest stretch, Saros is 5-0 with a save percentage of .953 and goals against average of 1.40. He’s allowed seven goals while making 142 saves, but his counterpart has stepped up when he was called upon as well.
Lankinen is 2-0 during the streak boasting a 2.50 GAA and SV% of .912. In his last 10 appearances, he’s 5-2-0 since Dec. 9 making 215 saves while allowing 28 goals.
“I feel like the work we’ve put in with goalie coach [Ben Vanderklok] not only this year but last year is coming to fruition,” Lankinen said. “I feel like my game has been in a better spot than it has ever before. It’s evolved a lot over the last couple of years and I’m happy the results have come my way and I’m just looking for more opportunities and staying present and keep working hard.”
So, on the flip side, how has Lankinen valued playing with a friend he’s known since he was 14 years old?
“It’s special, to be honest, we go way back… Coming over here almost 15 years later and our paths have crossed and having that bond with a guy you can trust 100%, he’s got your back there’s no backstabbing,” Lankinen said. “On a daily basis, we’re hard-working honest guys, if another one is having a tough day and not feeling it at least he’s looking down the ice and seeing his teammate go balls out. It pushes the other guy.”
Kevin Lankinen looking up at the scoreboard on Nov. 18, 2023, when taking on the Chicago Blackhawks.
Lankinen said more importantly the two can go through the same things all season and share their thoughts and unload the burden.
“You can share things you see on the ice but a lot of stuff off the ice too and hang out as friends,” Saros said of the value of having Lankinenn along for the ride. “It’s a big part of the long season so it’s a great benefit to have him.”
Now, as the trade deadline approaches next Friday Lankinen isn’t worried about what’s being said about either himself or Saros.
“To be honest I don’t know what is out there. I try to block the noise away and stay centered,” Lankinen said. “My point of view has always been to make the most of every day.
“At the end of the day you only play for so long and we’re all part of the business whether it’s trades or contracts. As long as I’m here whatever happens I’m living the best life I can because if something was to ever happen at least there’s no regrets. I trust the process, and being a good human being, it goes a long way, and eventually, good things will happen.”
The Predators will go for eight wins in a row on Saturday night against the Colorado Avalanche. Nashville’s goaltending tandem will continue to worry about what’s in front of them and not what’s beyond the horizon of the days ahead.
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of Nashville Predators
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