Predators: Three Players We Should Most Be Thankful for on Thanksgiving

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NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 21: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators high fives fans as he walks to the ice prior to an NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena on November 21, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Pekka Rinne

Look, I know it’s been really tough sledding for Pekka Rinne recently. That’s not going to negate all he’s done for this franchise, and that he deserves a Stanley Cup before he retires with the Nashville Predators. They better start erecting that statue in front of Bridgestone Arena the second the clock hits zero and the Predators are Stanley Cup champs.

Rinne is the No.1 reason the Predators have enjoyed so much consistent success over the decade-plus that he’s been in net for them. He’s helped provide stability for a franchise that couldn’t get over the hump of the first round of the playoffs. His play propelled the Predators into one of the top teams in the NHL each and every year.

I don’t think Rinne’s time is over just because he’s hit a bad string of games. Some of it has been bad luck and horrible defense played in front of him. He has plenty more gems ahead of him that will lead to Predators wins. He started 8-0-2 this season before hitting his current slide.

Finally, you have to look past the numbers on the ice. I challenge you to find a more classy professional athlete or kinder professional athlete than Rinne. He’s represented the organization so well and might end up going down as the G.O.A.T of Nashville sports if he gets that elusive Stanley Cup.

I’m thankful for Rinne because of his class, integrity, consistency and what he’s given for the Nashville Predators franchise to succeed for so many years. And it’s not over yet.

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