Preds best on road - Nashville, Tennessee - Monday, 01/29/07 - Tennessean.com
The Predators are the best team in the NHL — home and, thanks to this weekend's two victories, on the road.
With a 6-3 win over St. Louis on Saturday night, the Predators became the league's winningest road team, collecting their 18th victory on opposing ice.
Nashville also exceeded last season's mark of 17 road wins and tied a franchise-high in the category. Nashville won 18 games on the road in 2000-01 (18-18-5).
Predators Coach Barry Trotz said the difference between last season's road output and this season's is "mind-set."
"It is tough playing on the road," Trotz said. "The other team can draw from more sources from an energy level, from a momentum level, from a strategy level, but we don't panic. We have a good sense of confidence in our team that maybe we didn't have last year."
With 10 of their first 14 games on the road this season, the Predators had to figure out rather quickly how to win while away.
In contrast, last season — when the Predators started out 8-0 — six of the first 10 games were at home.
"We had a lot of road games early (this season) and had some success, and I think we have been building off of that," Predators forward Steve Sullivan said.
They also have been building a belief in one another.
"Before, on the road we would go in buildings hoping we would win. This year we go in and believe we can do it," goalie Chris Mason said. "I think we trust each other. You know the other guy's going to get the job done."
The Predators have 14 road games remaining, including this week's trip to Colorado on Tuesday and Phoenix on Thursday.
Zidlicky back on ice: Predators defenseman Marek Zidlicky, who was placed on injured reserve Friday after coming down with the flu, was back on the ice Sunday participating in an optional practice.
Trotz said he thought Zidlicky skated well and probably would be ready to play in Tuesday's game at Colorado, but the decision to take him off IR would not be made until after today's practice.
Zidlicky said he barely ate for three days and lost several pounds while he was sick. His focus Sunday was regaining his strength and testing his conditioning.
"It was tough for me," Zidlicky said. "But I have a couple days. I think I will be OK, and I want to play."
He said he first began feeling ill on the final day of the All-Star break. He was at the doctor with his son, who also had the flu, and said he probably got sick that way.
Two more return today: Forwards Scottie Upshall and Alexander Radulov were recalled from the Milwaukee Admirals and expected to arrive in Nashville on Sunday.
They probably will practice with the team today.
Upshall, who missed 28 Predators' games while on injured reserve with a partial tear in his groin, was sent to Milwaukee for a conditioning stint Jan. 16.
He played five games with the Admirals, collecting one assist.
Radulov was re-assigned to Milwaukee on Saturday morning because of roster moves necessitated by other Predators' illnesses. He played in Saturday night's game against Peoria, took one shot and finished with a negative-1 rating.