Rinne posting NHL record save percentage in playoffs
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Just how good has Pekka Rinne been this postseason?
The Nashville Predators netminder has put up numbers that put him ahead of the best in the NHL's 100-year history.
Allowing just 11 goals on 232 shots, no goaltender has ever posted a higher save rate through eight games. Rogie Vachon of the Montreal Canadiens owned an equal save percentage during the 1969 playoffs:
| Goalie | Team | Playoffs | GP | Record | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pekka Rinne | Predators | 2017 | 8 | 7-1 | 1.33 | .953 |
| Rogie Vachon | Canadiens | 1969 | 8 | 7-1 | 1.42 | .953 |
| Jacques Plante | Canadiens | 1960 | 8 | 8-0 | 1.35 | .950 |
| Jacques Plante | Canadiens | 1969 | 10 | 8-2 | 1.43 | .950 |
| Johnny Bower | Maple Leafs | 1963 | 10 | 8-2 | 1.60 | .949 |
| Gerry Cheevers | Bruins | 1969 | 9 | 6-3 | 1.68 | .947 |
| Jonathan Quick | Kings | 2012 | 20 | 16-4 | 1.41 | .946 |
| Patrick Lalime | Senators | 2002 | 12 | 7-5 | 1.39 | .946 |
| J.S. Giguere | Ducks | 2003 | 21 | 15-6 | 1.62 | .945 |
| Ron Tugnutt | Penguins | 2000 | 11 | 6-5 | 1.77 | .945 |
Meanwhile, Rinne's goals-against average, coming in at 1.33, also keeps him in the top 10 all time. The best number in that category is held by Terry Sawchuk, who allowed just five goals in eight games for a 0.63 GAA in the 1952 postseason.
Rinne will dress for his ninth game Friday, while Predators fans hope his performance this spring stays sustainable.