Saros Slams the Door as Predators Punish the Canadiens
Montréal had the better looks for long stretches, yet skated off down on the scoreboard. The Canadiens drove the shot count almost two to one (34–20) and led the attempts 66–45, but Juuse Saros turned the night on its head and Nashville Predators finish did the rest.
By the chances ledger, Montréal’s opportunities added up to more than Nashville’s — expected goals finished 4.06 to 3.27 — but Saros stopped 32 of 34 and posted +2.06 goals saved above expected (how many he erased beyond an average night). That’s the difference between a comeback and a quiet bell. Nick Suzuki even rang the post once for good measure.
For Nashville, this was about capitalizing on fewer, bigger chances. Adam Edstrom buried two on two shots, while Alexander Kerfoot, Ryan O’Reilly and Matthew Wood chipped in finishes, and the Predators added two on the power play. Steven Stamkos and Roman Josi each set up two.
Takeaways: Montréal’s attack was real; the defensive side still gave up enough quality to be punished. Nashville banked points behind elite goaltending and timely shooting — a recipe that works tonight, but leans heavily on Saros.
