Sidelined since Oct. 24 recovering from an infection to his surgically repaired hip, Pekka Rinne returned to action where his North American career began more than eight years ago.
The two-time Vezina Trophy finalist made 16 saves to lead the Milwaukee Admirals to a 9-1 win over the Iowa Wild in the first start of his conditioning assignment with Nashville’s American Hockey League affiliate.
Milwaukee scored four goals in the first period and four more in the second en route to tying an AHL season high for goals in a game. Defenseman Joonas Jarvinen scored twice, and All-Star rookie Colton Sissons had a goal and two assists to spark the Admirals’ offense.
Rinne shut out the Wild until Iowa finally broke through with 4:25 left in regulation.
Rinne was twice an AHL All-Star and backstopped the Admirals to the Calder Cup Finals in 2006. He compiled a record of 81-49-11 with 10 shutouts in 146 appearances with Milwaukee from 2005-08.
