Within the realm of an NHL locker room, the relationship between goaltenders might be the most complex.

There's no right way to go about it. Teams have succeeded with goaltenders who have a strictly businesslike arrangement. Others build strong friendships, united by the pressure of the position and the inherent competition it breeds.

Throughout his career, Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne has always preferred the latter.

"When you have a goalie partner you can talk to, and he understands you and you understand him, it really helps along the way," Rinne said.

The Predators' backup situation this season has been fluid, but Juuse Saros has emerged as the team's go-to option whenever Rinne, one of the NHL's busiest starters, needs rest. Sharing the crease has forged a friendship that benefits them and the team as a whole.

"It's really important," Saros said. "It kind of keeps the peace for both of us and (creates) positive energy, too."

Rinne and Saros' relationship is multifaceted. There's the mentor-protege aspect, with Rinne shepherding Saros, 13 years his junior, through the NHL landscape, coaching him on opponents and lending support. That bond is strengthened by their shared Finnish heritage; Saros idolized Rinne, watching YouTube clips of his future teammate growing up.

"He was one of the biggest guys I looked up (to) when I was a kid," said Saros, a 2013 fourth-round draft pick who first met Rinne when they represented Finland at the 2014 World Championship tournament. "He's taking really good care of me, just helping me with everything."

Rinne, 34, has also assumed a fatherly role. He has housed Saros, 21, during previous recalls from the minors, and he invited Saros and his girlfriend to spend Christmas with his visiting family during the league's holiday break.

"I think it comes pretty naturally," Rinne said. "Guys always joke around, saying, 'There's your daddy' and 'There's your son.' If there's something I can pass along to him, I try to do that."

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Above all else, the Predators' current tandem represents their present and bright future in goal. Saros has been exceptional in his five NHL starts this season, allowing seven total goals. On the same day that Rinne became the first Predators player to be named the NHL's "First Star" of the month in recognition of his outstanding November, the American Hockey League selected Saros as its Goaltender of the Month.

Rinne isn't prepared to grapple with his career mortality yet. He's not ready to step aside, and the Predators will keep relying on their franchise goaltender, who has two years left on his contract after this season. As they do, Rinne will serve as a guide for his potential successor.

"The way he's playing this season, he's showed that he's more than able to play these games and showed that he belongs in this league," Rinne said of Saros. "I try not to think about too much when my game's done with, (but) I really hope that that's something that would happen, that he would take over."

Reach Adam Vingan on Twitter @AdamVingan.

RINNE AND SAROS THIS SEASON

Rinne: 13-9-4, 2.49 goals-against average, .916 save percentage; 9-1-2, 1.49 GAA, .949 save percentage in November

Saros: 2-2-1, 1.40 GAA, .950 save percentage in NHL; 11-2-0, 1.76 GAA, .938 save percentage in AHL

NEXT GAME

PREDATORS vs. WILD

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

TV/radio: Fox TN/102.5-FM