NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Pekka RinneCan’t wait for his 1-year-old son Paulus to return to Nashville and tell stories about his playing days.
The highlight? He points to his No. 35 hanging from the rafters.
Rinne stated Thursday night, “It gives my goosebumps just to think about it.”
The goaltender that led the Nashville PredatorsTheir 2017 Stanley Cup Final was their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. In a nearly an hour-long ceremony, he was the first to see his jersey retire by the organization before Thursday’s game against Dallas.
Rinne said, “This is a memory that will last me for the rest of my days.”
Rinne will be recognized by the Predators with a bronze statue that will be unveiled at Bridgestone Arena during the 2022-23 seasons.
Rinne emerged from the huge Predators’ mascothead that the team skates through as it enters the ice, while fans shouted “Pekka!” Pekka!” He passed the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl and the Franchise’s only Presidents’ Trophy, and walked to the stage on a single blue line.
Former teammates were also invited to the event. Kimmo TimonenAnd Shea WeberAlong with the current captain Roman JosiRinne, his family and general manager David Poile. Rinne thanked his only GM and said he only had three coaches with the Predators.
Poile stated that Rinne made all things better on and off the ice.
Poile said, “He was somebody you could look up too.” “With No. “With No.
For warmups, the Predators returned to the arena wearing sweaters that had Rinne’s name and number printed on them minutes after the ceremony was over.
It was a great result for someone who had high hopes of playing for Finland’s national hockey team. Nashville selected Rinne with pick No. Everything changed when Rinne was selected by Nashville with pick No. 258 in 2004 NHL draft.
Rinne stated that he had set goals and dreams after which he began to dream about the NHL more. “Then things began to turn out well. Growing up, I wasn’t the most gifted player. It’s like a positive circle that begins and many good things happen.
Rinne announced his retirement on July, after his final regular-season game in Nashville, which was a 5-0 victory over Carolina.
He tied the first game. Tom BarrassoFor No. 19. In NHL history, it was his 369th victory. This was his 60th career shutout.
Center Ryan JohansenAfter the final shutout, Johansen pushed Rinne to do a lap around ice. Johansen also said that he likes Rinne.
Johansen stated that Johansen believes Johansen is one of the most revered players in this game and will see his jersey retire.
Nashville was quick to act after Rinne’s retirement, and announced plans in November for his retirement.
Rinne’s birthday was celebrated Monday with the dedication of a goat at Nashville Zoo to his memory. Capping the celebrations will be the Predators hosting Tampa Bay, reigning Stanley Cup champions, at the Tennessee Titans’ Nissan Stadium on Saturday.
Rinne expressed pride in Nashville for hosting the first outdoor game. He views this week as bringing a lot of attention to the NHL and the city. Nashville was host to the NHL All-Star Weekend 2016.
Rinne stated, “Going back seven to eight years, it was not something I thought about playing an outdoor sport or having such a thing happen in Nashville.”
Rinne is an important reason that the Nashville franchise remains here after signing a seven year extension in 2011. Rinne won the 2018 Vezina trophy as the league’s top goaltender. He was 369-213-75-7 in his career. Kempele native, Finlandian Rinne also holds the record for most games played, wins, and shutouts of any Finnish goalie in NHL History.
“It is pretty special, especially for a Finn,” Predators goalie Juuse SarosThe goalie he grew up with in Nashville was his father. “I had an inkling that this day would come and I was eager to be there.” It’s awesome.”
Rinne’s 2.43 career goals-against is tied for fourth among NHL goalies with at minimum 350 wins. Dominik Hasek, Martin BrodeurJacques Plante. He is also one 12 goalies with at minimum 350 wins and 60 shutouts.
Rinne was tied for the second-most wins in NHL history with three seasons of 40+. He was one of seven goalies who reached that mark. He finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting after Nashville won its first playoff series.