Saros was a key cog in Nashville's success during their sweep of a three-game trip through Vegas, Los Angeles and Arizona last week as the Finn stopped totals of 41, 46 and 38 shots, respectively, in each of those outings.
Overall, the 26-year-old Saros has been outstanding for Nashville this season while helping the Preds find a spot atop the Western Conference to start the week of Jan. 10. The only goalie to play in at least 29 games this season, Saros has compiled a 19-9-1 record with a 2.21 goals-against average, a .929 save percentage and two shoutouts, marks that are near the top of the goaltending leaderboard across all categories.
Perhaps most impressive of all? Saros has won nine of his last 10 starts (Dec. 4-Jan. 8), posting a .940 save percentage and 1.98 goals-against average in that span. Since March 18, 2021, a 52-game span, Saros leads all NHL goaltenders in wins (35) and save percentage (.935); is tied for second in shutouts (5); and is second in goals-against average (2.07).
Here's what some of No. 74's teammates had to say of their netminder's performances over the past seven days:
"Oh, the biggest reason by far [for our success]," Filip Forsberg said of Saros following Tuesday's win in Las Vegas. "Obviously, we're playing really hard in front of him and we're doing a lot of good things, but… I mean, [he's] just the best goalie in the League, and we're really lucky to have him."
"I don't even think there is much to say," forward Matt Luff said after Thursday's victory at Los Angeles. "I think you can ask any guy in this room - there's no other goalie I'd rather have in my net than him. I think he makes key saves when he has to, like that penalty shot [on Adrian Kempe in the second period]. I mean, that could have been a big turning point right there and he made a huge save and just keeps us in games. I just think he's the best goalie in the League, without a doubt."
"He's so consistent," Preds Head Coach John Hynes said of Saros last Thursday. "He comes up with big saves when we need them at key times. He's very consistent in the way that he plays, and that's something that's really important. If you get that type of goaltending, you do have a chance to win every night. You can't be a real successful team unless you have the type of goaltending we're getting, and he's a key guy for us. But as I said, I think that just the consistency level that he can play with has been pretty impressive."
"Huge - he's the biggest reason [for the wins]," Josi said of Saros following Saturday's win. "I mean, he's unbelievable. You saw it all year. I think there's no better goalie in the world than him. Every night he's giving us a chance to win. It's kind of unbelievable how consistent he is. I think it's almost underappreciated. He only has good games. I can't remember one game where he wasn't on, and like I said, I think he's the best goalie in the world right now. He should definitely get some love for that."
