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Nashville Predators: Four burning questions for the 2018-19 season

By Corey Francis

WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 3: Nashville Predators players stream onto the ice to celebrate a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 3, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The series is tied 2-2. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 3: Nashville Predators players stream onto the ice to celebrate a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 3, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The series is tied 2-2. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 20: Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators poses for a portrait with the Vezina Trophy (L) and the Presidents’ Trophy at the 2018 NHL Awards at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on June 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 20: Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators poses for a portrait with the Vezina Trophy (L) and the Presidents’ Trophy at the 2018 NHL Awards at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on June 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Can Pekka repeat?

For the first time in Nashville Predators’ history, a player received a performance-based award. Coming off the best season of his career, goalie Pekka Rinne won the Vezina Trophy, given to the leagues best at that position. Rinne led the league in shutouts and goals saved against average last season and was among three players who won 40 or more games.

The question remains can Rinne do it again? For much of the season, Rinne shined through. His 83.33% save percentage during high-danger chances was third best in the league. However, Rinne will be 36 years old during the season, the 11th full season of his career.

How much tread is on the tires? In a career filled with consistent play, last season stands out over the rest. Rinne averages 51 games a season, having two years of 43 and 24, due to injury. His .919 save percentage and .582 quality start rate are solid, but not the miraculous we witnessed last year.

Can Rinne continue his stellar play? I hope so. It appeared he simplified his game a bit last season, leading to greater success. But, should he falter, the Nashville Predators would rely on the young backup in Juuse Saros. He certainly showed his ability last year as well.

If Rinne shows last year was not a fluke, we will be in for a real treat.

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