Most shutouts in franchise history – Pekka Rinne (60)

Lore & Background

Pekka Rinne's journey to 60 shutouts began in his native Finland, where his raw talent caught the attention of Predators scouts. Drafted in the eighth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Rinne defied the odds to become a starter, earning the Vezina Trophy in 2018 and leading Nashville to its first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017. His shutout record is not merely a number—it represents countless nights where he single-handedly stole games, often against the league's most potent offenses. Rinne's style was a blend of old-school patience and modern athleticism. He used his 6'5" frame to cover the net, but his quick reflexes and ability to read plays made him a nightmare for shooters. His 60th shutout, achieved in a 3-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks on March 9, 2021, was a fitting capstone to a career defined by excellence. The milestone placed him among the NHL's all-time shutout leaders, a rare honor for a player from a non-traditional hockey market. Beyond the stats, Rinne's impact on the Predators and the city of Nashville is immeasurable. He was a two-time King Clancy Memorial Trophy finalist for his community work, and his No. 35 hangs in the rafters of Bridgestone Arena. The 'Pekka Rinne' chants that echoed through the building on shutout nights became a signature sound of Predators hockey, a reminder that greatness can emerge from the most unlikely places.

In Their Own Story

The arena was electric, the crowd on its feet. With less than a minute left in the third period, the Ducks pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. Rinne stood tall, his mask gleaming under the lights. A shot from the point was deflected, but he kicked it aside with his left pad. The puck squirted loose, and a Ducks forward lunged for the rebound. Rinne dove, his glove snatching the puck out of the air just before it crossed the line. The horn sounded. Shutout number 60. The ice was showered with hats, and Rinne raised his stick to the roaring faithful, a quiet giant in a moment of triumph.

Reader's Guide

The achievement of 60 career shutouts is a franchise record that may never be broken. Pekka Rinne reached this milestone on March 9, 2021, in a 3-0 victory against the Anaheim Ducks at Bridgestone Arena. The shutout was his 60th in the regular season, surpassing his own previous franchise record of 59 set earlier that year. This mark placed him among the NHL's all-time shutout leaders, a remarkable feat for a goaltender who spent his entire career with the Predators. Rinne's shutout total is a reflection of his longevity and dominance.

Did You Know?

• Pekka Rinne's 60 shutouts are the most by any goaltender drafted in the eighth round or later in NHL history.
• He recorded his first career shutout on January 12, 2008, against the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Rinne's 60 shutouts rank him among the top 20 all-time in NHL history.
• He was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy four times, winning it in 2018.