Predators say Rinne will rehab hip for 2 more weeks

Thursday, 12.05.2013 / 8:04 PM NHL.com

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne is making progress but will need at least two more weeks of rehabilitation as he works to recover from an infection in his surgically repaired hip, the team said Thursday.

Rinne, who had an MRI exam Thursday, will start a heavier workload around Dec. 20, general manager David Poile said.

"The MRI has improved. It is always hard to know where we are in this situation because we’ve never dealt with it before," Poile said. "In a nutshell, the doctor is happy with the progress and he is recommending two more weeks of rehab. Dec. 20 is our target date to get Pekka into more strenuous activity leading back into playing.

"From my position, I’m obviously encouraged, as is the doctor, because we are making progress. To be honest, there is never going to be a timetable that is going to be perfect for us until we see him back on the ice. But, this is all good news, and Dec. 20 will be the date as we move forward."

Rinne had hip surgery in May, then underwent arthroscopic surgery Oct. 24 to deal with a bacterial infection in the hip.

Rinne is 4-4-1 with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage this season.

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