Nashville Predators Puck Drop: The Pekka Rinne Edition

Welcome to The Puck Drop, a weekly roundup of all things Nashville Predators. We look at news stories, social media posts, and everything else that has to do with, cue Paul McCann, YOUR NASHVILLE PREDATORS.

May 10 was the last game of the regular season for the Predators. They had already clinched the 4th and final playoff spot in the Central Division with a 3-1 win against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.

More from Predlines

• Nashville Predators 2023 Training Camp Spotlight: Kiefer Sherwood
• Captain Candidates if Nashville Predators Didn’t Have Roman Josi
• The All-Time 25 Games or Less Nashville Predators Lineup
• Nashville Predators 2023 Training Camp Spotlight: Cody Glass
• Joakim Kemell Flashes his Offense in Nashville Predators Loss to Tampa

Both teams were resting their star players. Quite honestly, before the game started, it had a pre-season feel to it. Nothing was on the line in this game for either team.

It quickly became evident that this game would be special for Predators fans in Bridgestone Arena, evidenced by the atmosphere even during the warm-ups.

Earlier on Monday, the Predators announced that a particular beloved goaltender would start for the season’s final game, his first start in a month.

Pekka Rinne saw his last start on April 10 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the playoffs clinched, it was a no-brainer that we would see Rinne minding the nets.

The season’s final game turned out to be a special night, if not the most special. The Predators’ players and fans used this final game to honor and show appreciation for Rinne in an emotional tribute that lasted the entire game.

The 5-0 win was made even more special by Rinne collecting his 60th career shutout and moving into 19th place on the All-Time Wins list with 369.

Fans are all wondering if we have witnessed Rinne’s final game as a Nashville Predator. His contract is up at the end of this season, and no one but Rinne knows if he will be back for next season.

Whatever the future holds for Rinne, the final game of this season was remarkable, and if it is his last, what a perfect way to honor him and his storied career in Nashville.

Rinne Nominated For The Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy

For the second time in his career, Rinne has been nominated for the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy.

A nominee is chosen from each team by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. The award goes “to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.”

We think that there isn’t anyone who deserves this honor more than Pekka.

First Star Of The Game

With the shutout win on Monday, Rinne collected the First Star Of The Game. The Predators’ social media team had a bit of fun with that announcement, giving Pekka all three stars. A very fitting tribute for his 60th shutout and 369th win.

Speaking Of The Shutout

Rinne joined an elite group of players when he registered the shutout on Monday. He is now 3rd on the list of active goaltenders with 60 or more shutouts joining Marc-Andre Fleury and Henrik Lundqvist.

Nothing But Praise For An Awesome Human Being

You would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t like Pekka Rinne. After Monday night’s win, Head Coach John Hynes and Matt Duchene had nothing but praise for their teammate on this special night.

Always Humble, Nashville Predators Goaltender Pekka Rinne

With all of his accomplishments on and off the ice, Rinne has a lot to be proud of. However, you will never hear him say anything about himself, always directing praise back to the team and his teammates.

While he is always appreciative of the accolades, the team comes first. We are fortunate to have such a humble and grounded individual on this roster.

Lastly, Some Parting Shots

Here are a couple of more videos from Monday night’s win. The last one is probably the best.

We’re not crying. You’re crying.