Saros is No. 1:The 26-year-old goalie was outstanding during the regular season, going 21-11-1 with a 2.28 goals-against average, a .927 save percentage and three shutouts in 36 games (35 starts). Nashville general manager David Poile said Saros needed to win games and series in the playoffs to truly become a No. 1 goalie. Saros didn't win a series, but certainly gave the Predators a chance, going 2-4 with a 2.78 GAA and a .921 save percentage in six games. He has earned the No. 1 job heading into next season, with Rinne, 38, an unrestricted free agent and possibly having played his last game with Nashville.
Young players gain experience: Forwards Yakov Trenin, 24, and Luke Kunin, 23, each scored two goals in the series. Tolvanen was a healthy scratch in Games 1 and 6 didn't have any points in four games, but the 22-year-old scored 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 40 regular-season games and led the Nashville with six power-play goals. The Predators are in good shape, especially up front, with their youth.
Strong playoff showing: When Carolina took a 2-0 lead, it looked like it was going to be a quick series. But Nashville played hard in four consecutive overtime games, defeating the Hurricanes in Games 3 and 4 to tie the series. The Predators likely will make some changes in the offseason, but they need to build off this series after qualifying for the playoffs following an 11-16-1 start to the season.