Chet Pickard's assignment to Milwaukee signals Rinne's return

After dressing for his first NHL game on Tuesday night as Anders Lindback's backup, Chet Pickard has been assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals.

This move is a pretty good indication that Pekka Rinne will at a minimum be able to dress as the backup. A quote from Barry Trotz on Josh Cooper's Twitter indicated that "(Rinne) is probably in."

Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...


GOALTENDER CHET PICKARD ASSIGNED TO THE MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS

Nashville, Tenn. (April 5, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that goaltender Chet Pickard (CHEHT PIH-kuhrd) has been assigned to Milwaukee (AHL). He joined the Predators on Tuesday after the completion of his season with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones.

Pickard, 22 (11/29/89), posted a 14-12-2 record with a 3.12 goals-against average, a .890 save percentage and a shutout with the Cyclones in 2011-12. This is the second time Nashville's second choice, 18th overall (first round), in 2008 Entry Draft has been on the club’s active roster – he was recalled on April 27, 2011 and stayed with the team through its Western Conference Semifinals series vs. Vancouver.

With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Predators are looking to lock in home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. The Preds would move closer to that milestone with a win over the Dallas Stars tonight (7 p.m., FS-TN, 102.5 The Game) at Bridgestone Arena. Tonight’s regular season home finale is also Fan Appreciation Night where lucky fans in attendance will be treated to giveaways, special entertainment from the band stage, a plaza party and the opportunity to win the jersey right off a player’s back. The Preds conclude their season on the road in the Mile High City, taking on the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday (8 p.m., FS-TN, 102.5 The Game). To purchase tickets for tonight’s regular season game and secure your seats for the first round of the playoffs, visit nashvillepredators.com or call 615-770-7800.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass