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Nashville Predators: Three up, three down from opening round victory

By Corey Francis

DENVER, CO - APRIL 22: Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, right, #76 and Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog #92 hug it out at the end game 6 of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after the Predators won 5-0 at the Pepsi Center April 22, 2018. The Predators won the series 4-2. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 22: Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, right, #76 and Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog #92 hug it out at the end game 6 of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after the Predators won 5-0 at the Pepsi Center April 22, 2018. The Predators won the series 4-2. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 20: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators makes the save as Matt Nieto #83 of the Colorado Avalanche battles between Roman Josi #59 and Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 20, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 20: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators makes the save as Matt Nieto #83 of the Colorado Avalanche battles between Roman Josi #59 and Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 20, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Cracks in the Rinne wall

This part of the conversation is challenging. Pekka Rinne is one of the best at his position. His consideration for the Vezina trophy is well deserved. However, his play during the first round series against the Avalanche was less than stellar. At least, according to the numbers.

So far this postseason, Rinne has allowed the third most goals of all net-minders. Of all 14 goals allowed, 10 came during even-strength times. His .909 save percentage is 15th best among all playoff goalies. If you look at goalies who have 200 minutes or more in-goal this playoff, Rinne’s save percentage is 10th. When broken down by area, Rinne’s 62.96% in high-dangers chances is the lower of all goalies. His -2.16 goals saved above average ranks 11th.

Even with these stats, I know Rinne is part of the reason why the Predators are moving forward. However, the trend started in the opening round can continue against the Jets. His performance in Game 6 certainly shows improvement.

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