Saros Named NHL's Third Star of the Week

Juuse Saros is playing the best hockey of his career, and the NHL has taken notice.
The Nashville netminder has been named the League's Third Star for the Week ending March 28, and it's easy to see why.
From the NHL: "Saros stopped 80 of the 82 shots he faced, compiling a 3-0-0 record, 0.67 goals-against average, .976 save percentage and one shutout to help the Predators (18-17-1, 37 points) win all four of their games. He earned his 12th career shutout with 31 saves in a 2-0 triumph over the Detroit Red Wings March 23. Saros then yielded one goal in each of his next two appearances, making 20 stops in a 7-1 victory against the Red Wings March 25 and denying 29 shots in a 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks March 27. The 25-year-old Forssa, Finland, native has played in 18 total contests this season, posting a 9-6-0 record, 2.38 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and one shutout."

Saros began the week by recording his first shutout of the season last Tuesday in a 2-0 win over Detroit. The shutout was the 12th of his NHL career, the most among NHL goaltenders his age or younger (25 years, 340 days). Saros also tied former Preds goaltender and current broadcaster Chris Mason for the third-most shutouts in Predators history.
Saros is 4-1-0 in his last five starts, and he's stopped 167 of 171 shots for a .977 save percentage and 0.81 goals-against average. In his last eight appearances (dating back to Feb. 27), the Finn is 6-1-0 with a 1.10 goals-against average and .967 save percentage. Among NHL goalies who have also made at least eight appearances in that time span, Saros is first in goals-against average and save percentage.

Among NHL goaltenders that have played at least 15 games this season, Saros is second to only Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy in even-strength save percentage (.942).
Perhaps most impressive of all, Saros has given up one goal or fewer in his last seven decisions, a mark that puts him near the top of the category in NHL history. Colorado netminder Philipp Grubauer has already done so in eight-straight decision this season, but the feat is rare with just two other goalies doing so in at least seven games since the 1930s. George Hainsworth, who accomplished the feat during 10 consecutive games twice in his career, holds that record from the 1927-28 and 1928-29 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens.
Saros joins Preds teammate Calle Jarnkrok on being recognized by the League in consecutive weeks; Jarnkrok was named the NHL's First Star for the week ending March 21.
After backstopping the Preds to a 3-1 win on Saturday night in Chicago, Saros did not dress on Sunday and is day-to-day.