Pekka Rinne is the foundation
I’ll admit that I was weary of what Rinne would produce this season. As great as he was carrying the Predators through the playoffs, he hit a wall against Pittsburgh. I stand corrected after seeing what Rinne is doing this season with 12 wins, a .922 save percentage and a shutout. He keeps making the saves at crucial moments in games to keep the Predators alive.
Rinne is obviously nearing the end of his career, but the Predators still desperately need him. The backup goaltender situation isn’t ideal at the moment. The fact that Rinne isn’t really slowing down is a reason to be thankful. The Predators would be in an unsettling situation if Juuse Saros was the top goaltender.
It will be difficult when Rinne does decide to retire. Hopefully it comes in a Predators uniform, but let’s appreciate him while he’s still making those highlight reel saves. How much of an ambassador he is off the ice makes him even more special to this franchise and city.