NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Pekka RinneWho was the leader of the Nashville PredatorsTheir lone Stanley Cup Final in 2017, was his latest first.
With the Predators raising Rinne’s No. 2, the long-serving goaltender becomes first to see his jersey retire by the organization. 35 to the rafters just before Thursday’s game against Dallas.
“A huge honor. It is. It’s a great feeling. Rinne stated that there have been many great players in this team over the years. However, I also realized how fortunate I was to be able to play for such a long period of time.
“He believed in my abilities and gave me a chance, and I was able have a long and successful career here. That creates a strong connection to the city and this organization. That’s why I’m here today, I believe.
It was a good result for someone whose greatest hockey ambitions were to play for Finland’s team. Nashville selected Rinne with pick No. The 2004 NHL draft saw Rinne selected by Nashville with pick No. 258. Everything changed.
Rinne stated, “After that I started setting goals and dreaming and started to dream about the NHL more.” Then things started to turn out well. Growing up, I wasn’t the most gifted player. The positive cycle starts and there are many good things that happen.”
Rinne announced his retirement in JulyAfter a 5-0 win against Carolina, May 10 marked the end of his career.
He tied the first game. Tom BarrassoFor No. With his 369th win, he is now number 19 in NHL history. He also achieved 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 said, “I think he may be one of the greatest guys to ever play that game that will see his jersey retired.”
Nashville was quick to act after Rinne’s retirement, and announced plans in November for his jersey to be retired.
Rinne’s birthday was Monday, when the Nashville Zoo named a goat in his honor. The Predators will host the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay at Nissan Stadium Saturday to cap off the celebrations.
Rinne expressed pride in Nashville hosting its first outdoor event. Rinne 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 explained that he didn’t think about Nashville having an outdoor game seven or eight years ago.
Rinne is a major reason Nashville’s franchise continues to exist after signing a seven-year extension. Rinne won the 2018 Vezina trophy as the league’s top goaltender. He was 369-213-75-7 in his career. Rinne, a native of Kempele in Finland, has also the NHL’s most wins, games, and shutouts as a Finnish goalie.
“It’s quite special, especially as Finn,” Predators goalie Juuse SarosHe spoke of the goalie with whom he lived when he arrived in Nashville. “I always knew this night was coming, and I wanted it to happen. 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 of twelve NHL goalies with at least 350 wins, 60 shutouts and more.
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. After Nashville won the first playoff series, he was fourth in Hart Trophy voting.