In the eyes of Predators Coach Barry Trotz, goalie Dan Ellis was just a touch more consistent and better overall during training camp than prospect Pekka Rinne. That's why Ellis won the right to begin the season as goaltender Chris Mason's backup. Ellis had a 0-1-1 record in the preseason with a goals-against average of 0.66 and a save percentage of .976. Rinne's numbers: 1-0, 2.65 and .925. "It was the hardest decision I had to make in camp,'' Trotz said of keeping Ellis on the NHL roster.