Finland's Juuse Saros looking for fresh start at the Olympics following worst career year with Nashville Predators

Things have not gone the way Juuse Saros wanted this season. The Nashville Predators' goalie has struggled to find consistency, posting career-worst numbers through 56 games. Now, on the eve of the men's hockey tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Saros is looking for a hard reset with Team Finland.

Saros has been one of the busiest netminders in the NHL this season, tied with Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Mammoth for the league lead with 44 starts. But the workload has not translated to success, as his .892 save percentage ranks as the lowest of his 10-season career. The Predators sit at 26-23-7, fifth in the Central Division.

Starting against Slovakia, Juuse Saros will try to redeem himself with his national side

The 30-year-old will get the nod when Finland opens Group B play against Slovakia on Wednesday at 10:40 a.m. ET at Santagiulia Arena. Saros said he is viewing the Olympics as a completely different challenge from his NHL struggles.

"This is a completely different game and a different tournament, and I am trying to focus on this for as long as we are here," Saros told reporters Tuesday. He is expected to be Finland's No. 1 throughout the tournament as the defending gold medalists chase back-to-back titles.

Despite his NHL struggles, Saros has earned the trust of his teammates and coaching staff. Boston Bruins defenseman Henri Jokiharju dismissed the redemption storyline surrounding his goalie. "I don't think he has to prove himself to anyone," Jokiharju said.

"He's a top goalie in the NHL and in this tournament, and he doesn't need to prove himself to anyone." Saros struggled at last season's 4 Nations Face-Off, but he rebounded brilliantly at the 2025 World Championships.

He posted a 4-2-0 record with a .943 save percentage and a 1.67 goals-against average, showing the form that made him one of the league's elite netminders. Finland coach Antti Pennanen referenced that performance when discussing his No. 1 goalie.

"He is one of the best goalies in the NHL, and last [Worlds] he was really, really good," Pennanen said. "We trust in him because he is a really good goalie." Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen, who will back up Saros, praised his teammate's work ethic and athletic ability.

"He's obviously super talented," he said. "He's not the biggest guy, but he's athletic." Lankinen also pushed back on the notion that Saros needs to redeem himself, calling the Olympics "a clean slate for all of us."

Finland will face Sweden on Thursday at 6:10 a.m. ET before concluding Group B play against Italy on Saturday at 10:40 a.m. ET. The gold medal game is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22.


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