Will we see a return to form for the Nashville Predators’ goalie Pekka Rinne this year? This season will mark a return for a player, who may be considered one of today’s elite goaltenders in the NHL. When on his game, Rinne has shown he is difficult to beat.

The Finnish goaltender came into the league in the 2005-2006 season. Coincidentally, that was the same year New York Ranger’s prized goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist, made his debut. They both share some other common facts. Both goalies were late round draft picks (Rinne drafted in the eighth round and Lundqvist in the seventh round of the NHL Entry Draft). Both goalies have been nominated for the Vezina Trophy multiple times for the best goaltender in a hockey season (Rinne twice and Lundqvist five times). In 2012, Lundqvist received the award over Los Angeles King’s goaltender Jonathan Quick and, yes, Pekka Rinne. Another similarity is their style of goaltending. Both utilize the butterfly style, where a player drops to their knees and uses the knee pads on the ice to block shots.

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Though, Rinne has not put up the consistent numbers as Lundqvist has, his presence on the ice is just as important. Both the Predators and Rangers depend heavily on their backstops. They are the “be all, end all” of the teams’ success.

Unfortunately last year, the 31-year old goaltender was hampered by a bizarre injury. After undergoing surgery on his left hip during the offseason in May 2013, it became infected. He contracted e. coli to the area, which further sidetracked the two time Vezina finalist to NHL action. After intense rehabilitation and two games under his belt with the Predator’s AHL affiliate, Milwaukee Admirals, Rinne finally returned to Bridgestone Arena against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second half of the 2013-2014 season. Despite giving up three goals in a losing effort, he was back on the ice where he belonged. Later that year, he participated in the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) World Championships. He played for his native country Finland and took the silver medal in the tournament, losing to Team Russia. Despite the defeat, Rinne was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament with three shutouts.

During his absence, the Nashville Predators experienced a regression in their play, most notably the goaltending position. The team went through four different goaltenders, including former Edmonton Oiler’s starting goalie Devon Dubnyk, who was traded for in January 2014 and is no longer with the team. The most successful replacement last season was Carter Hutton. In Rinne’s absence, he played in 40 games, going 20-11-4 with a goal against average of 2.62 and one shutout. Despite having a winning record, it was not enough to overcome as the Predators missed the postseason for the second time in five seasons.

“… just getting him back playing is a great boost because you know the type of player that he is, the type of person he is and what he can mean to our hockey team, not only this year but the next year and the following years.”-then-Nashville Predator’s head coach Barry Trotz, the Hockey News, March 2014.

Now that Pekka Rinne is healthy from all indications, the future should be bright in Nashville, once again. A return to the playoffs will be their focus this upcoming season. Led by team captain and all-star Shea Weber, the team should make some “noise” in the Western Conference. Defensemen like Roman Josi and their potential superstar Seth Jones will help pave the way to the team’s success. Also, the Predators added offensive talent James Neal via trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He should provide an offensive spark with Mike Fisher and budding star Craig Smith. However, with Rinne in the fold, the Predators will have more confidence on the back end and make team’s strategize around the 6’5 goaltender.

For Pekka Rinne and the Nashville Predators, they will look to bounce back and regain their playoff form. On a personal level, Rinne will be working hard to regain the form that made him one of the league’s best goaltenders.