Rinne comes through for Preds

The second time was the charm for Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne.

With Dan Ellis recovering from a strained back, Rinne got the call and responded with his first win of the season, a 3-1 decision over the Edmonton Oilers Thursday night. It was his first NHL win since Dec. 15, 2005.

"It was obviously a big game for me personally," said Rinne. "I was happy to get the chance to go in. It was nice to get the win against a good team. It is a big confidence booth. "

Rinne, who gave up three goals in a little more than 14 minutes against Columbus Oct. 17 stopped all 10 shots he faced in the first period and allowed only one goal in 28 shots.

Edmonton tested him early with his first shot being a breakaway by left wing Erik Cole.

"It was kind of a broken play," said Rinne. "Our guys really did a great job when I was not seeing the puck in blocking those shots. And when I was seeing the puck, they let it come through to me."

Ellis thought it was best if he stayed on the sidelines after injuring his back Tuesday night against Washington, but was ready if needed.

"I felt a little pop in my back," said Ellis. "It seemed to stiffen up on the plane ride. I took Wednesday off. It was way, way better Thursday. I had really good mobility, but it was still a matter of not knowing if it was going to stiffen up again after only one day."

Ellis gave high marks to Rinne's performance.

"Pekka is a fully capable partner," said Ellis. "He helped win this game for us. He played strong and really carried the load."

Predators coach Barry Trotz had no concerns about starting Rinne.

"I think his last time out he was trying too hard," said Trotz. "You could see how nervous he was. He played well against Edmonton."

Weber and Suter connecting: Defenseman Shea Weber scored one goal and assisted on another in the Edmonton win.

"We are doing a good job," said Weber. "We just have to focus on being consistent.

"Ryan is a great passer. I love it when he passes it over and I can step into one."

Weber blasted a shot from just inside the blue line that was redirected into the goal by right wing Patric Hornqvist in the first period. Weber scored on the exact same shot on the other end of the ice in the second period.

"I know if I can get the puck to him and he has time to get the shot off, it is going to be a good thing," said Suter. "I'm just working on getting it to him. He has a heavy shot.

"We are getting to play together a lot. We are moving the puck well and getting a lot of scoring chances and playing better defensively."

Weber is getting an increased amount of media attention for his play this season. He is finding it difficult to talk about his accomplishments.

"Shea is a humble guy," said Suter. "His actions show and he doesn't have to talk a lot.

"The way he is playing is the way he is expected to play. He has been awesome and you can't ask for anything more."

Trotz also likes what he is seeing from the Suter-Weber combination.

"First off, when Shea shoots, it's going 100 miles per hour," said Trotz. "Second, the puck is going on net. He's not trying to pick a corner. He is just shooting on net.

"He and Suter are two young, emerging defensemen. They are having a lot of success and they are playing well together."