Pekka Rinne likely out 6-8 weeks with E. Coli infection

Original reports had Nashville Predators netminder Pekka Rinne missing at least four weeks – it turns out that it will likely be 6-8 weeks.

Rinne was reportedly dealing with a bacterial infection in his hip, but according to Nick Kypreos, Rinne has an E. Coli infection in his hip. Rinne had surgery on his hip in May and was ready to go to start the season, but had some soreness and a fever following an October 22 game at Minnesota. An MRI revealed the infection, which has turned out to be E. Coli. He started the season 4-4-1 with a 2.31 GAA and .917 SV%.

When Rinne was sidelined, 27-year-old Carter Hutton took over as the Predators starter. Hutton is 3-1-1 with a 2.76 GAA and .915 SV% as Nashville’s number-1.

With the two-time Vezina finalist likely out until mid-to-late December, maybe longer, the Predators might look at bringing a goalie in from another team. Do not forget that Ilya Bryzgalov is still available, could he be a potential target for the Preds?

This announcement keeps Hutton as a fantasy relevant goalie but expect Marek Mazanec, who was recalled from Milwaukee (AHL) yesterday to get a start soon. He is 5-0-0 with a 1.97 GAA and .933 SV% in the AHL.