After his media scrum, which had to be cut off simply from the demand of reporters clamoring to ask a questions, he did a TV interview with former Preds Captain Kimmo Timonen. Then, it was off to the NHL Network set and a chat with Kevin Weekes. That was followed by a one-on-one with another television network. All in all, Rinne went through the media gauntlet for upward of 45 minutes, with seemingly an endless amount of time for everyone.
That's just how Rinne is though - willing to do whatever is necessary to grow the game and show why he might just be the most deserving All-Star participant year after year.
"He deserves to be here every year," Preds Captain, and fellow Central Division All-Star teammate, Roman Josi said. "He's done so much for the Predators, for the organization as a whole and every game he gives us a chance to win. I can't count the amount of games he's stolen for us since I've been playing for the Preds, and he definitely deserves to be here every year."
The rest of the League has taken notice as well, with Rinne selected to be an All-Star for the fourth time, all of which have come over the past five years. For Josi to be able to experience the weekend right alongside his netminder is something he doesn't take lightly, an opportunity to see one of his best friends shine in the spotlights.
"You can just tell how much respect everybody has for him," Josi said of Rinne. "He's an awesome guy, and guys not just in Nashville, but around the League really respect him. You can really see that this weekend.
"He's the most popular guy in Nashville, and he's such a great person. It's a huge honor for me to be here with him."
