Fiddler, Nichol return to practice for Predators - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 12/26/06 - Tennessean.com
Fiddler, Nichol return to practice for Predators
Predators centers Vern Fiddler and Scott Nichol participated in this morning’s skate at Gaylord Entertainment Center, and Coach Barry Trotz said Fiddler could return to play as early as Friday’s game in Dallas.
The Predators play host to the St. Louis Blues tonight at the GEC (7 p.m., 104.5-FM).
Fiddler was placed on injured reserve after bruising his left shoulder in a Dec. 16 game against St. Louis. At that time he was projected to miss 2-3 weeks.
“He’s come around pretty quick,” Trotz said.
Nichol injured his left hip after being knocked into the goal post by Buffalo defenseman Jaroslav Spacek last Thursday. The incident incited a retaliatory punch from Nichol to Spacek’s jaw while Spacek was turned away, and brought on a nine-game suspension for Nichol.
Nichol had not skated since the incident. He will serve the second game of his nine-game suspension tonight.
“He was OK,” Trotz said. “Obviously he has some time to heal.”
In addition to tonight's game against St. Louis and Friday's game at Dallas, the Predators play the Boston Bruins at the GEC on Saturday night.