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It comes as no surprise that the Predators have recalled goaltender Marek Mazanec now that they All-Star break is over and it’s time to get back to business. However, to go along with said recall is the fact that Pekka Rinne has been cleared to skate and will gearing up to begin practicing with the team once again.

It was pretty clear all along that Rinne wouldn’t spend the entire time frame he was given (3-5 weeks) and Mazanec’s original recall was a good testament to that. However, until he is officially called back into action, do not count your chickens before they hatch. With him skating now, though, I give him a good week before he returns; possibly the away game against the Penguins on February 1st or the home game against Toronto on February 3rd. Don’t quote me on that (unless I am right), but I have a good feeling Rinne will be back sooner rather than later.

Tomorrow, the Predators welcome in Central Division rival, the Colorado Avalanche, then have yet another back-to-back Friday (in St. Louis) and Saturday (in Denver).