from Frank Seravalli of TSN,

Pekka Rinne was standing there, ready to face the music, the moment the door to the Nashville Predators’ dressing room opened.

Hours earlier, Rinne was standing in the same spot, talking about trying to find a “happy place” as he readied to bounce back from a shaky opening to the biggest series of his life.

What he found instead inside PPG Paints Arena was his own personal hell.

The rock and backbone to the Predators’ first-ever run to the Stanley Cup Final unravelled for all to see. Rinne has still never won a start against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He was yanked by coach Peter Laviolette after allowing three goals on stream of six shots to start the third period. A tied game turned into a full-on Penguin rout.

Just like that, from leading Conn Smythe candidate to total collapse. Rinne seemingly caved to the weight of the moment.

“Obviously, it’s very disappointing right now,” Rinne said. “For me, I treat this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ve played a long time, and the first time having a chance to play for the Cup. I think you just have to bury these two games and move ahead.”

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