Predators' Pekka Rinne: Guarding crease Thursday

Rinne will start between the goal posts for Thursday's home matchup against the Blackhawks, Brooks Bratten of NHL.com reports.

Analysis:

After ending November on a four-game winning streak, Rinne has struggled of late, going 3-4-2 with a 3.48 GAA and .876 save percentage in nine December appearances. The Finnish netminder will have an winnable but challenging matchup on his hands against a Blackhawks lineup that ranks 13th in goals scored per game (2.73) but is winless in its last three contests.