Saros Makes 21 Saves as Predators Shut Out Blackhawks

Juuse Saros and the Nashville Predators kicked off 2024 with a 3-0 shutout of the Chicago Blackhawks at home on Tuesday. 

It was a game that, according to Predators head coach Andrew Brunette, “had a little bit of everything” – some good, some bad, and some ugly.

Nyquist, O’Reilly Lead the Way

Gustav Nyquist scored on the power play in the first period to extend his point streak to six games, dating back to Dec. 21. It’s the second-best streak of his career (nine games, tied earlier this season from Nov. 9-28). 

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Nyquist also added an assist on Ryan O’Reilly’s power-play tally in the second period. The veteran forwards, both key free-agent signings for Nashville this offseason, led the Predators with two points apiece against Chicago.

🗣️ YES SIR pic.twitter.com/e5mTOMyygc

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) January 3, 2024

“He’s been effective in helping us win, that’s for sure,” O’Reilly said of Nyquist. “He’s so fun to play with. Just the smarts and the little plays he makes, and the way he skates and just creates – it’s so fun to play with. And I think we’ve done a good job, and it’s got to be that spark for us offensively, and playing with him, he just makes it so easy out there.”

Related: Predators Signing of Gustav Nyquist Paying Off Early

Nyquist has nine points (five goals, four assists) during his current six-game point streak. With 29 points in 38 games this season, he has surpassed his 2022-23 season total of 27 points in 51 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild.

“I feel like [Nyquist] has been playing great the whole year,” Predators captain Roman Josi said. “He’s so good on the power plays. He’s great. He’s very patient with the puck. He makes some really, really good plays. He’s an awesome leader in the locker room, and he’s been nothing but great since he came here.”

Predators Silence Bedard

The Blackhawks registered 21 shots on goal, but none of them came from Connor Bedard, Chicago’s leading scorer and the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for December.

“It’s easier said than done,” Brunette said of his team’s ability to stifle the young phenom. “I thought for the most part we nullified a little bit of their rush game, which they’re really good at. And the PK did a great job when he…