Preds Practice Ponderings: December 1

No one was surprised to learn of Thursday morning's news. Well, maybe except for the honoree himself.
Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne was named the NHL's First Star for the Month of November after going 9-1-2 with a .949 save percentage and a 1.49 goals-against average. The goals-against and save percentage were his best in any calendar month of his career.
"It was a nice surprise when I got to the rink and [Head Coach Peter Laviolette] told me the news," Rinne said of the honor. "It does feel good, but it is also a credit to my teammates. We had a month of October that wasn't great for us, and then [November was] great for us, and for me personally, too. It is a team effort, but when you get recognized, it does feel good."

The first player in franchise history to be named First Star of the Month by the League, Rinne was praised by coaches and teammates alike, knowing their total of nine wins in November could have been less if it weren't for their netminder.
"He's been the backbone of our team," Laviolette said of Rinne. "He's been rock solid, he's been a wall back there for us. There's always breakdowns, there's always chances that happen, and when you have a guy back there like Pekka playing as well as he is, it gives the team a lot of confidence."
"His work ethic," defenseman Roman Josi said when asked of Rinne's most impressive attribute. "I think the way he practices, he goes 100 percent in every practice, he wants to save every puck, and he gets mad in practice if he gets scored on. His work ethic is unbelievable, and that's why he's that good."
Always humble, Rinne looked at the difference he's seen in his team over the past few weeks that has led to their string of success, citing a growing chemistry within the locker room as a deciding factor.
"It's tough when you get behind in the standings early on," Rinne said. "It's never an easy climb back up, but we did it, and we're in a good spot right now. We have to keep it going, but it took some time to come together as a team. Like everybody knows, we changed a little bit over the summer, and I think it took a little bit of time to get everything on the same page - just playing together and getting that team chemistry back to where it needs to be. But right now, things are rolling pretty good and we're playing with confidence."
And it all starts with No. 35 between the pipes.
"He's been unbelievable the whole month," Josi said. "He won a lot of games for us this month, so no surprise. He really deserved the First Star."
AHL Accolade:
Not to be outdone by Rinne, Preds goaltender Juuse Saros was named the CCM/AHL Goaltender of the Month thanks to his efforts with the Milwaukee Admirals in November. Saros went 5-0-0 during the month with a 1.37 goals-against average, a .955 save percentage and one shutout for Milwaukee. In two games for the Preds this season, Saros is 1-1-0 with a 1.02 goals-against average and a .965 save percentage.
News & Notes:
The Preds provided injury updates for a number of players on Thursday.
Defenseman Anthony Bitetto, who left Tuesday's game against Colorado, suffered a broken hand and will be out of the lineup for six weeks.
Forward James Neal remains out with an upper-body injury and is considered week-to-week. Forward Colton Sissons remains out of the lineup and his status will be updated once he resumes team activities. Defenseman Ryan Ellis took part in Thursday's practice and is day-to-day with an upper body-injury. Forward Colin Wilson did not skate on Thursday and was given a maintenance day.
Rock the Vote:
After Nashville hosted the greatest NHL All-Star Weekend the game has ever seen, the time has come once more to cast your vote for your favorite Preds.
Nashville Predators Mike Fisher, Roman Josi, P.K. Subban and Pekka Rinne are eligible for the 2017 NHL All-Star Fan Vote, giving fans the opportunity to send the four to Los Angeles and the 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend.
Fans can cast votes below or through the Predators App and select up to four players per ballot with 10 ballots allowed per 24-hour period. The voting period will continue now through Jan. 2, 2017, with the top vote-getters by division announced each Tuesday. Plus, just by voting, you could join the Preds in L.A. with a chance to win a trip for two to attend the 2017 NHL All-Star festivities.
Click here
to vote for the Preds All-Stars.
Preds to Assist in East Tennessee Relief Efforts:
The Predators will be collecting donations at Saturday's Plaza Party for disaster relief for those affected from the fires that have swept across East Tennessee. Fans are encouraged to bring monetary donations, as the American Red Cross has requested this instead of in-kind items. Fans unable to attend Saturday's game can still give back with a $10 donation by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.
Family Weekend this Saturday & Sunday:
Bridgestone Arena will be the place to be this weekend as the Preds host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday afternoon and the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday evening.
On Saturday, every fan in attendance will receive a Preds hat, featuring P.K. Subban. In addition, at the conclusion of the Nashville Christmas Parade, the Party on the Bridgestone Arena plaza begins at 11 a.m., presented by LEE Company. The party will feature a DJ, face painters, kids games, stilt walkers and jugglers, just to name a few.
The fun continues on Sunday when the first 4,000 children (12 and under) in attendance will receive GNASH socks. Plus, may December Fourth be with you as the Preds host their second annual Star Wars Night, as fans are invited to come dressed in their best out-of-this-world costumes.
Shot of the Day: