The Nashville Predators have finally clinched a playoff spot. So why play Pekka Rinne tonight? Well, it’s because, if they win, they have a legitiate shot at home ice advantage for the first round of the post season. But, this is also the first opportunity to rest Rinne who’s started 34 of the last 36 games. And when the playoffs come, obviously Rinne will be playing in all of those (barring injury of course).
So… if you’re Barry Trotz, knowing home ice advantage is on the line, do you start Rinne or Anders Lindback?