Predators on brink as Rinne struggles again in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (AP) Pekka Rinne’s struggles in Pittsburgh have his Nashville Predators on the brink of elimination.

The Penguins overwhelmed Rinne and the Predators again, sending Nashville’s star goaltender to the bench in Pittsburgh for a second straight game in the Stanley Cup Final. He was pulled after the first period by coach Peter Laviolette after surrendering half the goals in a 6-0 rout by the Penguins in Game 5 on Thursday night.

The Predators are in a 3-2 hole with Game 6 coming up Sunday night in Nashville.

Nashville rallied from a 2-0 deficit to tie the best-of-seven series and the home team has won all five games. Nashville is also a comfortable 9-1 in the playoffs at home, and teams…