Pekka’s fine season continues as he is invited to 2009 NHL All-Star Weekend in Montreal. At this rate, the 26 year-old will definitely receive some consideration for the Calder Trophy, given to the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.
January 23, 2009
Rinne to play in YoungStars game
By John Glennon
THE TENNESSEAN
Shea Weber won’t be the only member of the Predators enjoying the atmosphere of the NHL All-Star game this weekend in Montreal . Rookie goaltender Pekka Rinne will represent Nashville in the NHL’s YoungStars game, which will be played Saturday.
The 6-foot-5, 206-pound Rinne takes a 10-7-0 record, .916 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average into the contest. He seems to be moving into the Predators’ No. 1 goalie slot, as Rinne has started three of the past four games and played in seven of the past eight contests.
This season’s YoungStars game will feature a team of rookies taking on a team of sophomore NHL players. The two sides will face off in a three-on-three contest.
“I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s a great honor,” said Rinne, a replacement for Columbus goalie Steve Mason, who’s out with back spasms. “I think it will be fun just to be up there in that atmosphere and to see a lot of top players.”