Pekka Rinne: 2006 – 2021, Ján Lašák: 2002 – 2003 (Left, 2nd Slide), Éric Fichaud: 1999 (Right, 2nd Slide).
Éric Fichaud was drafted 16th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1994. He would play just 9 games for Nashville, posting 6 losses with a .895 SV% and a 3.22 GAA.
Ján Lašák was drafted 65th overall by the Nashville Predators in 1999. He would play 6 games, registering 4 losses with a .874 SV% and a 4.04 GAA.
Pekka Rinne… What more can I say about the most beloved player in Predators history that hasn't already been said? 4x All-Star, Vezina winner, and a King Clancy Memorial Trophy. A star, a leader, and a warrior. After being drafted 258th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2004, he would give the city 15 years of pure class. Throughout his tenure with the Preds, he would play in 683 games, starting 666, and would rack up 369 wins with a .917 SV% and a 2.43 GAA. He also added 60 shutouts in his career, tallying 8 of those in his Vezina season with a .927 SV% and a 2.31 GAA in 59 games, which were all games he started in as well. As of June 2023 he has been the Predators' European Scout and Goalie Development Coach. I could continue to go through the illustrious history of our beloved Pekka, but I would rather hear your favorite moments with this absolute legend. Please put your favorite moments or stories in the comments and once again, thank you for the love and support during this series!
by PrimarisBladeguard
3 Comments
I will tell this Pekka story until the day I die.
I am too damn old to give a shit about my birthday, but it is the most important day of the year for me. I want allllll the attention that one single day; the other 364 I am happy being in the background and helping others shine. But I AM THE STAR OF THE DAY on my birthday. Everybody around me knows and (mostly) accepts this lol.
I think it was 2019. Bestie #1 had recently moved out of state. Bestie #2 had to work. I had no plans for the first time in years. Boss (also a good friend) was tired of me whining and said we could take a long lunch and go to Centennial for practice that day. We stopped at the dollar store and got a posterboard and markers and made a sign that said “Can I get a happy birthday from #35?”
Get to Centennial. Josi saw the sign and pointed me out to Peks, who waved. Made my day. Then after practice, I was like maybe he would sign this silly sign. But when he finally came off the ice, he was signing autographs, then noticed me and waved. Then he went over to the equipment guy and grabbed a stick that he had written happy birthday on. I cried. I will cherish that damn thing for the rest of my life.
Also, his last game. God, how perfect was that night?
ALL HAIL THE KING
Best sign I saw at the game to this day was “Show me your Pekka”