Predators' impressed with Justus Annunen's performance since arriving to Nashville

Annunen continues to flourish, earning more playing time down the stretch

(John Russell/Nashville Predators)

By Anthony Pellegrino @Pellegrinoap50 IceInsider.com Predators All Access Reporter

NASHVILLE--Justus Annunen could be seen sprawling across his crease in a split-like fashion, robbing Vegas forward Reilly Smith on Saturday night.

The save was a testament to Annunen's play since arriving in Nashville around early December.

"I saw someone coming down on a breakaway, then the other guy on the (left) side, just played it and hoped for it."

Two nights later, Annunen made his first consecutive start for the Predators.

He stopped 16 of 18 against a red-hot Flyers group, coming into the game scoring 13 in their last two outings.

Then just 24 hours later, Annunen relieved Juuse Saros in the third period against Columbus, stopping ten of eleven.

Although wins have been hard to come by since his four-game win streak in January, growth in his technique has been evident.

Annunen attributes his success to an uptick in playing time with the Predators.

Playing Monday night marked his 30th start this season, for the first time in his career.

"The more I play, the more comfortable I feel here. It helps a lot (playing more)," Annunen said.

(Nashville Predators)

Nashville's organization has liked what they've seen out of the young backup goaltender. In 18 games with the Predators, Annunen has an 8-8-1 record, posting a .900 SV% and 2.91 GAA.

"He's quiet, no one really knows he's in there, which is a good thing," Brunette said post game Saturday night. "I think for us we're just trying to get a really good look at him, get a really good feel for him."

His play in Nashville is a steady improvement from his 11 games with Colorado to begin the season, where he had a mere .872 SV%, and 3.23 GAA.

As the Predators gear towards next season, Brunette's focus looks towards what Annunen has to work on over the summer.

" We're (Trying) to see what he needs to work on in the summer and going forward, if he's got an opportunity to see if he's the guy." Brunette paused before adding..."In the role that he's in."

When the young Finnish goaltender arrived to Nashville, attention turned towards the elder "Juice", Juuse Saros, as both goaltenders are from Finland.

Similar to the bond Finnish Pekka Rinne shared with Juuse in the latter years of his career, Saros looks to do the same for Annunen.

“I still feel like I'm young in my heart, even though the years go by fast,” Saros said. “But maybe I can help with some things that ‘Peks’ helped me (when I first started)… Being here for so long, maybe I can, in those kind of cases, I can help out.

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