Kevin Klein News

Nashville Predators' Pekka Rinne , of Finland, and Kevin Klein skate off the ice dejectedly after losing their playoff series to the Phoenix Coyotes after Game 5 in an NHL hockey Stanley Cup Western Conference semifinal playoff series Monday, May 7, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.

Phoenix goalie Mike Smith made 25 saves to earn his second shutout of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs as the Coyotes edged the Nashville Predators 1-0 in a Western Conference second-round contest.

Predators defenseman Kevin Klein talks to Pierre LeBrun about Game 3 win over the Coyotes, mood heading into Game 4, his inspiring mohawk and getty back to playing Predators hockey Predators defenseman Kevin Klein talks to Pierre LeBrun about Game 3 win over the Coyotes, mood heading into Game 4, his inspiring mohawk and getty back to playing ... (more)

Smothering defense, scoring first, playing smart, and Pekka Rinne playing like he's capable of doing so.

Surprised? Really? After leading the NHL in wins and saves while posting a sparkling .923 save percentage and basically keeping the Nashville Predators afloat early in the season? "I was surprised last year as well," said Rinne, who was a runner-up to Tim Thomas for the 2010-11 Vezina.