Erik Haula part of Predators contingent as Saros shines for Finland
Juuse Saros posted a. 946 save percentage in three preliminary games, a run that helped Finland finish fourth and earn a bye into the Olympic quarterfinals; erik haula is listed among the Nashville Predators representatives on Finland's roster. The goaltending performance and the Predators' multiple national-team presences set the immediate storylines heading into Wednesday's quarterfinal match.
Saros' numbers from preliminaries
Saros compiled a 1. 34 goals-against average and a. 946 save percentage across three preliminary games, winning two of those contests and allowing four goals total. He has not allowed a goal in the past 95: 21 of Olympic play, a stretch teammates described as decisive for Finland's positioning in the tournament.
Forward commentary in the preliminary round emphasized Saros' impact on team confidence, and a defenseman noted that playing in front of him gives the group assurance. The 30-year-old goaltender's run is the primary reason Finland finished fourth and claimed a bye into the quarterfinals.
Erik Haula on Predators' Olympic roster
A weekly Olympic thread listed the Predators' men’s hockey representatives as including players on multiple national teams; Finland's entries were named as Saros and erik haula. That listing places erik haula among the Nashville players carrying club ties into the Olympic tournament for Finland.
The thread also identified Predators-linked players on other national teams, illustrating the franchise's broad presence across the men's tournament rosters.
What comes next for Finland
Finland earned a quarterfinal bye and will play Team Switzerland on Wednesday at 12: 10 p. m. ET. Switzerland reached that stage after a qualification-game win over Team Italy by a 3-0 score on Tuesday. Finland's most recent game before the quarterfinal is an 11-0 victory against Italy on Saturday, leaving the team with several days without a match before the elimination round.
Finland's short layoff drew a measured response from Saros, who said the rest is not too long and that the team will be ready. The immediate forward look is straightforward: if Saros maintains his current form and the defensive structure remains intact, goaltending will be a central factor in Finland's quarterfinal outlook. If the high-level goaltending edge narrows, the team will rely more on offensive output and special-teams execution to advance.
- Key takeaways: Saros' elite preliminary numbers; erik haula listed among Predators on Finland; quarterfinal set for Wednesday at 12: 10 p. m. ET.
