Pekka Rinne has been a tone-setter for Nashville for more than half a decade, and, last season, his leadership never wavered. As the team comes down from its Stanley Cup high and looks to what’s next, Rinne remains its foundation—one that opposing offenses will hate to see between the pipes next year.
On the ride to the Finals: It was a pleasure to be a part of it. The way the city reacted, and the way the fans went with us, it was an amazing journey. And forever I’m going to remember this. You don’t know how many opportunities you’re going to get [like this], and we came a little bit short, but it was an unbelievable experience. And, with the same core group of guys here next year, I’m really looking forward to next year and years after that.
On how the Cup run can help the team going forward: I think it’s a mindset throughout the organization. If you truly believe that you can win, I think it’s a very powerful mindset. I think … we’re building a culture. And, hopefully, it’s going to be very meaningful. You could tell that [it affected Nashville too]. It was just cool to be a part of it … the way people reacted and the way they supported us. I’ve never ever been a part of a thing like that. And it was just so much fun.
On playing for Preds retired captain, Mike Fisher: Fish is a great person. He makes people better around him, and that’s a great quality that he has.
One of the biggest signings in recent Preds history, Subban showed up to great fanfare. A string of early setbacks delayed his impact on the team, but, when it counted, his steady defense and two-way play was a difference maker. As Subban took control of the Preds’ defense, the team took ownership of the Western Conference.
On the time it took to adjust to his new team: I think that, when you come into a new team, you have to find your place. And you have to find where your role is, and how you’re going to help the team, and affect the team in a positive way. And I think, as the season went on, I felt [more and more] like a guy that could be counted on—on and off the ice.
On how he feels going into next year: I don’t feel good—I feel great. When you look at our team, there’s a bright future for our hockey club. But that’s all it is, is a bright future. You still have to put in the work to justify that—to be a part of something special.
There hasn’t been a better representative of the Preds relationship with Nashville than Mike Fisher. He played with a blue-collar hustle that fit the town’s southern roots, and is married to one of our country music darlings. Even though he retired this summer, he’s still cemented as one of the town’s all-time favorites.
On how he approached his retirement decision: For me, it’s faith, family, and hockey, really. I loved being part of this group, and I had a blast.
On the Preds’ future: I’m excited for this group. So many young guys played well. The depth that we showed—this team is so good. I thought we deserved better in that series [against the Penguins]. But we became a real team, which is one of the things I was most proud of. We were a team that never gave up, that were just all in together. That takes a great organization, and coaching, and players to buy in, and people supporting us along the way to get there. But the future of this franchise is very, very bright.
