Nashville Predators: Trio honored at 2018 NHL Awards ceremony
By Kyle Gray
The 2018 NHL Awards were hosted last night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas. It was a memorable night for the Nashville Predators organization.
At the end of each season, the NHL honors its teams and players at the annual awards ceremony. The 2018 event was held in Las Vegas last night and proved to be a major night for the Nashville Predators. Three players were recognized for their efforts during the season.
Pekka Rinne brought home the Vezina Trophy and First All-Star Team honors. P.K. Subban was nominated for the Norris Trophy but was beat out by Victor Hedman. The night wasn’t lost though as P.K. rounded out the Second All-Star Team, and if that’s not good enough, he will grace the cover of EA Sports NHL 19. Just wow. But we’re not finished there. Juuse Saros was named to the Rookie All-Star Team. What a night for the Nashville Predators.
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Pekka for Vezina
Pekka Rinne was touted as the front-runner for the Vezina Trophy–given to the NHL’s top goaltender. He finished the season with 42 wins, a 2.31 GAA, and a .927 save percentage, leading the Nashville Predators to the President’s Trophy. He’s no stranger to the Award Show having been nominated four times across his career. With 22 first-place votes, Pekka took home the hardware–the first time a Predators player won a performance-based award.
The fun doesn’t stop there for Pekka Rinne, though. He was named to the First All-Star Team. Another huge honor for the goaltender and a great representation for the Nashville Predators.
Poster Boy P.K.
While P.K. Subban lost out on the Norris Trophy, he didn’t walk away empty-handed. He was named to be on the cover of EA Sports NHL 19. Perhaps an honor even greater than the Norris Trophy, at least to this millennial. You could have guessed, but it’s the first time a Nashville Predator will grace the cover of the video game. Subban set a career high in goals with 16 and was one point shy of tying his career high in points (59), all while not missing a game.
He was also voted to the Second All-Star Team, finishing third in overall votes for top defenseman. And he had a nomination for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.
Rookie Honors for Saros
Last but not least, the Nashville Predators goaltender not named Pekka Rinne took home honors. Juuse Saros was voted to the Rookie All-Star Team. This is the second time a Predators player received this award. Filip Forsberg was chosen during the 2014-2015 season. Saros upped his game this year. He finished the season with 23 wins, a 2.44 GAA, and a .925 save percentage.
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A huge congratulations to Pekka Rinne, P.K. Subban, and Juuse Saros, as well as the Nashville Predators organization. It’s great recognition for the players and the team.