5. Pekka Rinne, G
Height/Weight: 6’5, 207 lbs.
Drafted: 258th, 2004
Rinne has stormed onto the North American pro hockey scene with a lot of success. After leading Karpat to the SM-Liiga championship last season, the Kempele, Finland native signed with Nashville in August 2005. Assigned to Milwaukee of the AHL, in 33 games this season, Rinne is a spectacular 21-12-1. The 23-year-old has taken over the starting job from Brian Finley who won 36 games for Milwaukee last season. Rinne has a GAA of 2.74, fourth among AHL rookie goaltenders and a save percentage of .904.
Rinne’s biggest attribute is his size. He takes up most of the net and covers it well. Rinne is a stand-up goaltender who rarely goes down unless he has to. Rinne has a tendency to give up soft goals which has hurt his overall play this season. He was called up to Nashville on Dec. 14, 2004 after backup Chris Mason suffered a groin injury. Rinne made his debut the following night against the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, posting a 5-3 victory, ending the night with 35 saves.
Rinne could very well be the goaltender of the future in Nashville. He is still not a finished product, but is developing at a rapid rate this season.
Vaikka sellaista ei saisi kiltissä maailmassa edelleenkään tehdä toivoisin häikäilemättömästi loukkaantumista Pexin edellä oleville pelaajille tässä kevään mittaan, lisäkokemus ylhäältä saattaisi asettaa kaverin huomattavasti parempaan asemaan ensi kauttakin ajatellen, sopimusneuvottelujen jne muotoillessa Nashvillen tulevaisuutta jo nyt tällä kaudella uuteen uskoon.