NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne has been cleared to start weight-bearing exercises under a doctor’s supervision in his recovery from a hip infection.
The Predators announced Friday on the team’s website there is no timetable for this stage of recovery but Rinne will be evaluated daily.
The two-time Vezina Trophy finalist has been sidelined since arthroscopic surgery on his left hip Oct. 24 as a result of a bacterial infection. The infection developed in the same hip surgically repaired May 9 after last season. Rinne was on antibiotics for weeks and recently stopped using crutches while walking.
In nine games this season, Rinne is 4-4-1 with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.
The Predators have been using Marek Mazanec and Carter Hutton.
