Rinne takes responsibility for Game 7 loss: 'I let the whole team down'

Pekka Rinne faced the music after faltering in the Nashville Predators' biggest game of the season, taking full responsibility for his lackluster performance.

"It's tough," the veteran goaltender told reporters, including NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger, after the 5-1 loss that eliminated the Predators and sent the Winnipeg Jets to the Western Conference Final.

"It's the most important game of the season and I let the whole team down."

The 35-year-old was pulled just over halfway through the first period after giving up a soft goal to Paul Stastny, the second weak one he gave up while facing only seven shots as the Jets jumped out to a 2-0 lead they would not relinquish.

"It’s a terrible feeling," Rinne added, according to Brooks Bratten of the club's communications department. "You let your teammates down and it’s tough to swallow.”

Rinne's self-deprecation didn't end there.

He struggled on home ice in the series, winning only one of four games and posting subpar peripheral numbers.

Rinne, who in April was named one of three finalists for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender, now has one year left on his contract with Nashville.