It's time for Predators to panic about Rinne's poor play
With another poor outing in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets, it's now time for the Nashville Predators to sound the alarm about No. 1 netminder Pekka Rinne.
Rinne gave up five goals on just 24 shots Thursday as the Predators dropped their fifth straight game, which - thanks to a Colorado Avalanche win - pushed them outside of the playoff picture.
Rinne has been somewhat of a tire fire of late, conceding three or more goals in six of his past seven games and only once finishing with a save percentage above the .900 mark during that stretch.
Pekka Rinne has allowed at least four goals for the 10th time this season. He did so 12 times last year.
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) January 15, 2016
He has been vital in the team conceding the 10th most goals per game this season. This, despite the club remaining relatively sound in front of him.
The Predators have allowed just 26.7 shots per game, good enough for second in the NHL. They also boast an even-strength Corsi For percentage of 54.4 percent, also good enough for second in the league.
Only one goaltender in the NHL has more games with at least four goals allowed than Pekka Rinne's 10: Martin Jones (11).
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) January 15, 2016
Rinne's .902 save percentage and his 2.57 GAA are both career worsts and rank 40th and 27th in the league, respectively. Meanwhile, he remains under contract with the club through the 2018-19 season with a cap hit of $7 million per season.
He has shown signs of promise in years past and still managed to snag a spot at this year's All-Star game - though he does play for the hosting team. With the club desperate to win now and no recent sign of a bounce back from Rinne, the Predators may have to figure out a backup plan to their goaltending situation sooner than later.