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Redemption: Josi and Predators stop the crisis

Redemption: Josi and Predators stop the crisis

Saros is performing in usual form

Goalkeeper Juuse Saros is actually one of the league's elite. Over his entire career, he saved 91.7 percent of all shots – a value that only four active goalkeepers can beat (at least 100 games). In his first four games of the current season, his catch rate was 87.5 percent.

On Tuesday he showed what he was made of against the Bruins. He stopped 33 shots and earned his first shutout of the season and the 24th of his career. This enabled his team to win.

“We just played better as a team, we fought harder,” O'Reilly explained. “It wasn't a perfect game. We made mistakes, but we kept fighting, didn't give up and communicated better. So we found a way to win. This is a good lesson for us, we have to keep this feeling and we have to continue to bring this level. This is how we get out of the hole we’ve dug for ourselves.”

Josi leads his team out of the crisis

Tuesday's party was by far the Predators' best this season. It was the first time they conceded fewer than three goals and the first time they scored more than three.

The success was initiated by Josi. In the 18th minute, O'Reilly deflected Josi's shot on the power play to make it 1-0. Tommy Novak made it 2-0 in the 37th minute. He is the Predators' top scorer with three goals. In the final period, Josi and O'Reilly fought for the puck behind their own goal and were each credited with an assist as Gustav Nyquist converted the sets (53'). Luke Evangelista finished off the game with an empty net in the 54th minute.

With his two assists, Josi increased his tally to five assists, making him the team's best preparer. Only O'Reilly and Filip Forsberg have one more point. A familiar role for the Bernese, because although Josi is a defender, he has the most points (686) and assists (505) in franchise history. In terms of goals (181), he is in third place behind Forsberg (287) and David Legwand (210). If the Predators can turn things around with the win, Josi will play a key role.

“It looked better today,” confirmed Nyquist, but cautioned against resting on one’s laurels. “Of course we can be better, but this was a big step in the right direction.” We have to continue to build on that. It was just a game. We dug ourselves a hole at the start, so we have to pack it up again on Friday.”

The next chance for points awaits Josi and the Predators after two days without games. They face the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday (8:30 p.m. ET; NHL.tv; Sat. 2:30 p.m. CET). The next home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets follows on Saturday (8 a.m. ET; NHL.tv; Sun. 2 a.m. CET).

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