Nashville Predators: From lowest seed to NHL’s top team in 365 days
![WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 05: Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the third period against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on April 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 05: Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the third period against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on April 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/cde476525e9e459a7d79818d58412499e61aa8e4c194bf55c3c0e577afdf0a40.jpg)
Vezina-worthy Rinne
Coming into the season, many fans and pundits expressed concerns about the play of Pekka Rinne. At 35 years of age, expectations were to see a decline in his play from last year to now. What we witnessed was spectacular.
In my bold predictions before the season, I stated Rinne would win 40 games even if he did not play in 65 matches. I added that his quality start percentage would be closer to .600, and with a goals against average of 2.2. I was right.
Sorry, not sorry.
Rinne has been amazing. Playing only 58 games so far, he has a record of 41-13-4. He has a .627 quality start percentage and 2.32 goals against average. More than that, he leads the NHL with 8 shutouts and 26.27 goals saved above average. The numbers suggest this season was one of – if not the – best seasons of Rinne’s career.
Please, hand the man the Vezina.