The Nashville Predators issued word this evening (seemingly in answer to reports from a few days ago), stating that Pekka Rinne is continuing his recovery from a bacterial infection in his hip that has kept him on Injured Reserve for the last few weeks.
The team’s statement reads as follows:
Pekka Rinne underwent a MRI earlier this week and he continues to progress in his recovery from a bacterial infection in his hip which was initially identified and addressed with arthroscopic hip surgery on October 24. There have been no setbacks – and we and the doctors are thankful they have identified the infection – so now it is simply a matter of time for recovery and allowing treatment to take its course. Pekka will remain on crutches and antibiotics for at least the next couple weeks before a follow-up MRI in late November. We expect a full and complete recovery and will provide additional updates when appropriate.
Even if his MRI in late November goes as well as possible, I imagine it would take quite a bit more time before Peks would be ready to resume playing. You don’t go from weeks on crutches to NHL goaltending in the blink of an eye.
The bottom line, of course, is that Rinne’s long-term health is the primary concern here. Whether it takes a couple more weeks or a couple more months, the Preds need their #1 goaltender in top shape for the long haul. In the six games since Pekka has been on the shelf, the team has given up 4 goals a game.
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