Finland head coach Antti Pennanen announced yesterday that Juuse Saros would be his starting goaltender against the United States in the 4 Nations opener for both teams tonight.
Saros has had a difficult season with the Nashville Predators, much like his team, but his track record with Finland is impeccable.
“He is experienced,” Pennanen said. “During this season, of course, he had some difficulties also. But we trust him, he is a really good goalie. Of course, we have three good goalies and it wasn’t an easy call. But tomorrow, we go with Juuse.”
Kevin Lankinen of the Vancouver Canucks and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres are Finland’s two other goalies, and statistically in the NHL this season, Lankinen has been the strongest goalie. But the reality for Finland is that for them to have a chance to win this, Saros will have to be the best goaltender in the tournament.
That is a level of play Saros has shown in the recent past, if not this season, so riding with him in Game 1 makes a lot of sense. But it also seems clear Saros will be operating with a relatively short leash.
