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The West Series match series is now exactly 1-1. The victory was Saros’ first in the qualifiers. MAGAZINE IMAGE / Getty Images / AFP Jeff Vinnick
In hockey NHL playoffs, Finnish goalkeeper Juuse Saros defeated Nashville Predators a 4-2 victory over Arizona Coyotes. The West Division now stands at 1-1.
Saros defeated 24 times in the match. The victory was his first in the qualifiers.
– It was good and the team played really well in front of me. This victory is a big deal. Growing up like this always dreams of it, and now this step has been taken, Saros said after the game, according to nhl.com.
Saros also started in the finish in the first qualifying match, leaving veteran Pekka Rinte waiting for his turn. In Sunday’s game, 25-year-old Saros fought 33 times. Although Saros is now challenging Rinteen, 37 ,’s position as the team’s number one keeper, praises Predators coach John Hynes for the duo’s relationship.
– Saros has clearly deserved his chance. He and Peka have always had a good relationship. They always support each other. From a coach’s perspective, they push each other forward. When neither gives up, it makes them play their best game, Hynes analyzes according to the site.
Nashville was allowed to run the game almost as he pleased, as Arizona only got to taste the goal at the very end of the third set. Clayton Keller and Lawson Crouse both equalized after nine minutes.
Arizona’s goal was blocked by Darcy Kuemper. Finnish goalkeeper Antti Raannan had to be on the bench, but in the end he was on the sidelines for the whole match, nhl.com says.
– Something happened to Raanna during the warm-up phase. We’re going through our goalkeeper situation today or tomorrow, coyote coach Rick Tocchet said.
The Toronto Muzzin was injured
In the eastern block, the Toronto Maple Leafs took an important leveling victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets by 3-0. The score now stands at 1-1. Joonas Korpisalo, who started the playoffs with a strong zero game on Sunday, defeated Columbus 36 times.
The game also saw a dangerous-looking injury when Toronto defender Jake Muzzin was hit in the head by the feet of Columbus striker Oliver Bjorkstrand at the end of the third set.
The game was suspended for 14 minutes while Muzzin’s neck was supported and transported off the ice. The team later said on their Twitter account that Muzzin is in hospital. He was conscious, according to the tweet, and was able to move his limbs.
In Canada’s local time games on Tuesday, the New York Islanders previously defeated Florida Pathers 4-2 and now lead the series 2-0. Florida captain Aleksander Barkov scored the goals of his second team in the game.