Pekka Rinne activated by Predators, expected to start on Tuesday

After missing more than four months with an infection in his lower body, Pekka Rinne was activated off IR by the Predators on Monday. He's expected to start Tuesday's game.

By Brian Stubits

Mar 3, 2014 at 8:18 am ET • 1 min read

Pekka Rinne has missed more than four months of action. (Getty Images)

For the first time since October, Pekka Rinne will lead the Nashville Predators onto the ice when they play Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

Following a quick conditioning stint with AHL Milwaukee, the Predators activated their star goaltender off IR and placed Devan Dubnyk on waivers. They won't waste any time with Rinne getting back in the net either.

Pekka Rinne expected to start in net for your @PredsNHL tomorrow vs Pittsburgh!!
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) March 3, 2014

Rinne has been out of action since Oct. 22 because of a serious infection he suffered in his hip/pelvis. There were doubts he would be able to play again this season but the recovery process has accelerated in the last few weeks with Rinne getting on the ice and then taking the visit to Milwaukee.

In two games for the Admirals, Rinne showed no rust at all. He stopped 31 of 33 shots in two games, posting a .943 save percentage and a 0.99 goals against average.

Rinne's return will be mroe than welcome for the Predators, who haven't been able to match his play in net with a trio of goalies, led mostly by Carter Hutton. Still, the Predators have remained in sight of a playoff spot and are just four points back of the last wild card as of Monday.