When Barry Trotz coined the term “goalie hat trick” way back in 2011, he likely didn’t think that the goalie who had just recorded it – Nashville Predators Pekka Rinne” - would record another one in his career. If he did think this, Trotz is some kind of goalie voodoo master because the odds are ridiculously slim.
The “hat trick” Trotz was referring to wasn’t three goals, of course. That would be next to impossible. The former Preds’ coach was instead referring to Rinne celebrating a birthday, recording a shutout, and signing a contract.
Okay, great birthday, but how the heck does that happen twice in one career?
The first birthday shutout came in 2011, on his 29th birthday, when Rinne helped lead the Preds to a 35-shot, Thursday night shutout over the Arizona Coyotes (then going by Phoenix). He was also rewarded on this day with a seven-year, $49 million contract.
The second came on Saturday night, when Rinne made 26 saves to secure a 1-0 Preds victory over Boston. With his previous contract mentioned above expiring, Rinne signed on for another two years with the Preds, this time for $10 million. It was his 36th birthday.
Seriously, the Preds are going to be eyeing the calendar every year to see if they’re playing on November 3rd. It’s apparently when Pekka becomes more of a brick wall than he usually is.
(H/T The Hockey News)
