The Predators had a great November, but none of it would have happened without the play of their starting goaltender Today, the NHL announced Pekka Rinne the league’s First Star of the Month for November.
From the Preds’ website:
The NHL bestowed the honor of First Star of the Month on Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne on Thursday. Rinne becomes the first player in franchise history to receive the award. No one had more wins in November than Rinne. Amongst qualified netminders, no one had a better save percentage. Or a better goals-against average. The 34-year-old Finnish netminder led the Predators resurgence during the 30-day span, boasting a 9-1-2 record, .949 save percentage and a 1.49 goals-against average. Most importantly, the Preds entered November with only two wins and were out of a playoff spot; today, they begin December with 11 victories (10 from Rinne) and tied for third in the Central Division.
Mike Fisher had this to say:
"The way he controls the game and makes big saves, he's so calm back there... He's unbelievable."
I totally didn't realize that no Predator had ever received First Star of the Month before. Solid accomplishment.
Congrats, Pekka!