Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that goaltender Pekka Rinne has been sent to the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals on a conditioning assignment. The Admirals play home games on Friday vs. the Iowa Wild (7 p.m. CT) and Sunday against the Rochester Americans (3 p.m. CT).

Rinne, 31 (11/3/82), was beginning to find his groove following offseason surgery, having turned aside 120-of-128 shots to post a 1.60 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage in his last five outings (3-1-1) before being sidelined with a bacterial infection on Oct. 23, 2013. The two-time Vezina Trophy finalist has been among the League’s elite since becoming a full-time starter in 2008-09, ranking first in shutouts and among the Top 10 in wins, save percentage and goals-against average prior to his current injury. He is one of just two netminders in franchise history to appear in 300 games for the club, and is just four wins shy of tying Tomas Vokoun's mark for most wins by a goaltender. (157; Vokoun, 161).

A season ago, the Kempele, Finland native was named the greatest Admiral in the team’s 35-year history after posting 81 wins, a 2.54 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage from 2005-08. He was a two-time AHL All-Star, won 30 games in a season in 2005-06 and 2007-08, and led Milwaukee to the 2006 Calder Cup Final.

The Nashville Predators re-launch their season following the Olympic Break on Thursday when they welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning to Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. CT (FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.5 The Game). Season re-launch festivities include a Preds Plaza Plaza Party presented by Lee Company, a “Gold Out” presented by Bridgestone and Hunt Brothers Pizza and more. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for a special event that allows season-ticket holders to eat for free from 5-6 p.m. Fans can also participate in College Night presented by Jack in the Box where they receive either an upper bowl ticket for $15 or a lower bowl ticket and a “College” gold shirt for $30 with a valid college ID. Drink specials will be offered through the first intermission. A limited number of tickets still remain; for more information, visit nashvillepredators.com or call 615-770-7800.