Predators media thread - Page 6

PredDave · 01-29-2007, 07:31 PM

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.

PredDave · 02-06-2007, 08:13 AM

Article from Tennessean.com

Lining up right: Nashville's second line is in production mode.

Steve Sullivan is on a 10-game points streak, tying his franchise record. Jason Arnott has scored a goal in each of his last four games. J.P. Dumont has collected five assists over a six-game span, netting his career-high 32nd helper on Saturday.

Predators Coach Barry Trotz said there are still occasions when the line will try to be too fancy and make a pass when it should shoot, but overall, the coach likes what he sees.

"They have been really, really strong in terms of creating," Trotz said. "I think Sully is skating as well as any time since he's been here. Arny can make plays because of the big rocket launcher he has, and J.P. is just a very smart player."

Shutout success: The blanking of Anaheim was Nashville's ninth shutout.

Chris Mason has a franchise record five; Vokoun has three; and they combined for one.

The total matches New Jersey for the NHL lead. Martin Brodeur has all nine shutouts for the Devils.

PredDave · 02-13-2007, 12:45 PM

Preds one of contenders if Flyers deal Forsberg - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 02/13/07 - Tennessean.com

The Predators made one important trade acquisition over the weekend when they picked up physical defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski to bolster their blueline.

But it's what may lie ahead that has plenty of local hockey fans excited.

The Philadephia Flyers are considering moving two-time Stanley Cup-winning center Peter Forsberg before the Feb. 27 trading deadline and Nashville seems a logical option for the 2003 NHL MVP.

The Predators could use another play-making center to put between wings Scott Hartnell and Alexander Radulov, and Forsberg — if he chooses to waive the no-trade clause in his contract — would like to go to a title contender.

"At this point in time in his career, he wants to win the Stanley Cup,'' said Gary Green, an NHL analyst for the TSN network in Canada. "He's not going to go any place he doesn't have that chance, and there's no question in my mind the Predators do have a good chance.''

Predators General Manager David Poile can't comment on other teams' players because of NHL tampering rules.

"We're in the thick of it in terms of talking to everybody who's available,'' Poile said. "I've been on the phone with a lot of general managers in the past week or so. That's how we traded Josef Vasicek, how we found out Atlanta was interested in a center iceman and how we wound up with Vishnevski. That's how it works.''

PredDave · 02-13-2007, 12:45 PM

Preds' blueliners to see competition - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 02/13/07 - Tennessean.com

The addition of defenseman Vitali Vishnevski over the weekend should make life a little more competitive for Nashville's blueliners.

The Predators have carried just six defensemen for most of the season, meaning players didn't have to look over their shoulder following poor games. That's not the case with seven defensemen now on the roster.

"On the back end, all six guys really knew they were going to be in," Coach Barry Trotz said. "There was no pressure on them to perform at any high level — other than them being good pros.

"This should create some healthy competition. For the first time, one of the 'D' will sit out either because of (their) play, the opposition or coach's choice. Everyone's got to be accountable."

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Vishnevski, who led Atlanta with 128 hits in 52 games, made his Predators practice debut on Monday. Defensemen rotated during drills, so it wasn't clear who he'll be paired with Wednesday when the Predators play host to San Jose.

Should the Predators choose to sit Greg Zanon, who has the least amount of NHL experience among the blueliners, it's possible Vishnevski would be paired with Ryan Suter.

Vishnevski also has played the last four or five seasons on the left side, while Suter has played most of this season on the right side.

"That's up to the coach — I just want to play hockey," Vishnevski said. "I'm just going to be a physical player like I (have been)."

PredDave · 02-22-2007, 09:00 AM

Canadiens game big for Montreal native Dumont - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 02/22/07 - Tennessean.com

Any game Predators right wing J.P. Dumont plays against the Canadiens is a special one, since Dumont was born and raised in Montreal.

"It's pretty much the only time my family and friends can watch me on television," Dumont said. "It's fun knowing everyone is watching.

"Hockey is the most important sport in Montreal. They love their French-Canadian players and they want to support them."

PredDave · 02-22-2007, 09:05 AM

Preds hope Legwand lights fire under Radulov - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 02/21/07 - Tennessean.com

Call it the Peter Forsberg trickle-down effect.

The acquisition of the Swedish superstar bumped David Legwand from first to third-line center, where he's brought a healthy dose of speed and creativity to his new linemates.

Third-line left wing Scott Hartnell took full advantage of the new setup in Monday's 4-1 win over Phoenix, snapping a nine-game goal drought by scoring twice against the Coyotes. One of those goals came on a Legwand assist.

The question now: Will third-line right wing Alexander Radulov be the next to benefit from Legwand?

The Russian rookie was all the rage the first few weeks of the season, when he lit the lamp 10 times in his first 18 games.

But Radulov has just one goal in his last 24 games and he'll take a 15-game goalless streak into Thursday's duel with the Montreal Canadiens at Gaylord Entertainment Center.

"He needs to get going here. He's got to have a little more game,'' Predators Coach Barry Trotz said of Radulov, whose last goal came on New Year's Day.

PredDave · 03-06-2007, 08:26 AM

West foes not at full strength - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 03/06/07 - Tennessean.com

In theory, tonight's meeting between the Predators and Detroit Red Wings is a showdown between heavyweights battling for Western Conference supremacy.

In reality, it's a matchup of two injury-stricken teams desperately trying to maintain their perch.

Here's proof: The odds of a player such as Rich Peverley, Ramzi Abid, Darryl Bootland or Matt Hussey emerging as a hero tonight are better than they are for players such as Peter Forsberg, Steve Sullivan, Henrik Zetterberg or Tomas Holmstrom.

The former group — the first two are Predators, the second two are Red Wings — are at least healthy enough to play, which is more than can be said for a long list of bigger names on both teams.

The Predators probably will be without Forsberg (upper body), Sullivan (back spasms) and Scott Hartnell (foot). Centers Jason Arnott and David Legwand, both of whom missed Sunday's game, are hoping to return to action tonight.

Don't think for a minute the Red Wings, who enter the game two points behind Nashville in the Central Division, will have any sympathy for the Predators.

In addition to injured forwards Zetterberg (back) and Holmstrom (upper body), Detroit is expected to be without goalie Dominik Hasek (thigh) and forwards Daniel Cleary (knee), Mikael Samuelsson (foot) and Todd Bertuzzi (back).

Sound much like a clash of titans?

"Every year, it's the team that gets through injuries during the season and the playoffs, and the team that presses forward, that's successful,'' Predators Coach Barry Trotz said. "Detroit is going through it just like we are. Everybody gets nicked up. It's the nature of the beast.''

PredDave · 03-07-2007, 08:33 AM

Shootout trips Preds - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 03/07/07 - Tennessean.com

They lost the game and continue to lose players at an alarming rate, but the Predators refuse to lose their grip on the Western Conference lead.

The Predators fell 4-3 in a shootout to Detroit in front of a sellout crowd at Joe Louis Arena on Tuesday, but by picking up a single point, Nashville remained one point ahead of the Red Wings in the Western Conference standings.

The game marked the eighth straight game the Predators picked up at least one point, a stretch that's allowed them to stay ahead of the rival Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks.

PredDave · 03-08-2007, 08:17 AM

Can Preds hang on in Central? - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 03/08/07 - Tennessean.com

They are back from their longest and most challenging road trip of the season, having posted a 3-0-2 record and collected eight of a possible 10 points.

But as the Predators ready for tonight's home game against the Calgary Flames, they know they haven't achieved anything tangible just yet.

It's hard to feel too comfortable, after all, when Detroit and Anaheim are breathing down your neck in pursuit of the best record in the Western Conference.

So what are the odds the Predators will be able to fulfill their stated goal of winning the Central Division, which might very well mean finishing first in the conference as well?

PredDave · 03-08-2007, 08:24 AM

If Preds get their way, name 'Nashville Arena' will be back - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 03/08/07 - Tennessean.com

The Predators have apparently had no luck finding a sponsor to step up and pay for the naming rights to the Gaylord Entertainment Center, and the hockey team wants to change the name back to the Nashville Arena.

Metro will decide later this month whether to accept the team's request to change the name of the 17,113-seat hockey and concert venue.

Gaylord Entertainment Co. signed a 20-year, $80 million naming rights and partial ownership deal with the Predators in 1999. But the agreement was terminated in 2004, with Gaylord agreeing to pay the Predators more than $9 million over the next five years.

Nashville Sports Authority Chairman Kevin Lavender said Wednesday that he had been traveling for two weeks and hadn't seen Predators Vice President Ed Lang's letter requesting the arena name change.

But Lavender expects the Predators to unveil a presentation at the Sports Authority board of directors meeting on March 16.

"I don't want to speak for the Predators, but they will probably walk us through what they're thinking about and what makes sense," Lavender said.

"We certainly are interested in whatever makes the most sense for the building to be most successful long term."

The Predators declined to comment Wednesday but have repeatedly said they are working to get a new naming rights partner for the arena. Lang's letter says that is the franchise's "ultimate intention" but that, in the interim, it would be more appropriate to change the name of the arena.

Money from naming rights is important to NHL teams, especially ones in small markets like Nashville. The Predators rely heavily on the National Hockey League's revenue sharing, have struggled with corporate support, and are still looking for a minority owner to help improve ties with the city's corporate community.

PredDave · 03-18-2007, 12:50 PM

Predators outshine Modano - Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, 03/18/07 - Tennessean.com

The Predators weren't about to let Dallas center Mike Modano become the Star of Saturday's contest.

Modano did set a career record for goals by a U.S.-born player, but it was the Predators who snapped a five game losing streak to the Stars with a 3-2 win in front of a sellout crowd at Nashville Arena.

The Preds hit the 100-point mark for the second consecutive season and but have yet to clinch a third straight playoff berth.

"Making the playoffs was our first goal, and when that happens, that's great,'' Predators defenseman Kimmo Timonen said. "But now we've got bigger goals. Getting just one of our goals isn't enough.''

The Predators (47-20-6) hadn't been able to celebrate many wins over the Stars in recent years, as Nashville entered Saturday's contest with just one win over Dallas in the teams' last 11 meetings.

PredDave · 03-18-2007, 12:50 PM

Forsberg has assist in his return to ice - Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, 03/18/07 - Tennessean.com

The Predators welcomed back center Peter Forsberg to the lineup Saturday following a six-game absence because of an "upper body'' injury.

Forsberg picked up an assist on the Predators' second goal, won seven of 14 draws and saw 18:07 ice time in the Predators' 3-2 victory over Dallas.

"Everything felt good,'' said Forsberg, who now has seven points in eight games with Nashville. "I hadn't played in a couple of weeks so the tempo was going to be high for the first couple shifts. Other than that, I thought we played really well.''

He's hopeful the ailment won't be a concern during the Predators' remaining nine games or the postseason.

"I've rested long enough and feel good,'' Forsberg said. "I'm definitely confident I'll be good to go the rest of the way.''

PredDave · 03-21-2007, 07:04 AM

Modano downplays milestone snub in Nashville - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 03/21/07 - Tennessean.com

Three days removed from a record-setting night and a role in an incident with the Predators that has stirred debate among hockey enthusiasts, Dallas Stars center Mike Modano was level-headed during a national conference call Tuesday afternoon.

The six-time NHL All-Star said he was not nearly as upset as his team's president about the Predators' failure to pay tribute when he set a record for goals by an American-born player Saturday night at Nashville Arena.

Modano also said he could have been called for a slash for hitting Jordin Tootoo with his stick after the Predators forward crumpled Dallas defenseman Stephan Robaidas with a punch, but that he stopped himself from a more aggressive swing that could have got him suspended.

And he said it was hard to judge if the five-game suspension the NHL handed down for Tootoo was fair.

PredDave · 03-21-2007, 07:11 AM

Poile: Stars' president unprofessional - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 03/20/07 - Tennessean.com

Comments by Dallas Stars President Jim Lites ripping the Predators were surprising, disappointing and "extremely unprofessional,'' Predators General Manager David Poile said Monday.

In Monday's edition of The Dallas Morning News, Lites charged the Preds with "failing the game'' for not publicly recognizing Mike Modano's record-setting goal in Saturday's game at Nashville Arena, tore into Coach Barry Trotz for defending forward Jordin Tootoo and took shots at the franchise's economic state and scheduling preference.

"Perhaps he should take that up with the commissioner or probably he should contact the Predators directly," Poile said. "That's extremely unprofessional on Lites' behalf. I can't think for a second that we would ever do or say something like that about Dallas. It's uncalled for and I'm sure we'll take that up with the commissioner.''

The NHL noticed the Lites comments, league spokesman Frank Brown. He said Commissioner Gary Bettman already had contacted Lites.

"(Bettman) thought those comments were inappropriate and that was conveyed by the commissioner to the Stars,'' Brown said.

Brown wouldn't say if Lites is subject to disciplinary action.

01-29-2007, 07:31 PM	#76 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	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.

02-06-2007, 08:13 AM	#77 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Article from Tennessean.com Lining up right: Nashville's second line is in production mode. Steve Sullivan is on a 10-game points streak, tying his franchise record. Jason Arnott has scored a goal in each of his last four games. J.P. Dumont has collected five assists over a six-game span, netting his career-high 32nd helper on Saturday. Predators Coach Barry Trotz said there are still occasions when the line will try to be too fancy and make a pass when it should shoot, but overall, the coach likes what he sees. "They have been really, really strong in terms of creating," Trotz said. "I think Sully is skating as well as any time since he's been here. Arny can make plays because of the big rocket launcher he has, and J.P. is just a very smart player." Shutout success: The blanking of Anaheim was Nashville's ninth shutout. Chris Mason has a franchise record five; Vokoun has three; and they combined for one. The total matches New Jersey for the NHL lead. Martin Brodeur has all nine shutouts for the Devils.

02-13-2007, 12:45 PM	#78 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Preds one of contenders if Flyers deal Forsberg - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 02/13/07 - Tennessean.com The Predators made one important trade acquisition over the weekend when they picked up physical defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski to bolster their blueline. But it's what may lie ahead that has plenty of local hockey fans excited. The Philadephia Flyers are considering moving two-time Stanley Cup-winning center Peter Forsberg before the Feb. 27 trading deadline and Nashville seems a logical option for the 2003 NHL MVP. The Predators could use another play-making center to put between wings Scott Hartnell and Alexander Radulov, and Forsberg — if he chooses to waive the no-trade clause in his contract — would like to go to a title contender. "At this point in time in his career, he wants to win the Stanley Cup,'' said Gary Green, an NHL analyst for the TSN network in Canada. "He's not going to go any place he doesn't have that chance, and there's no question in my mind the Predators do have a good chance.'' Predators General Manager David Poile can't comment on other teams' players because of NHL tampering rules. "We're in the thick of it in terms of talking to everybody who's available,'' Poile said. "I've been on the phone with a lot of general managers in the past week or so. That's how we traded Josef Vasicek, how we found out Atlanta was interested in a center iceman and how we wound up with Vishnevski. That's how it works.''

02-13-2007, 12:45 PM	#79 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Preds' blueliners to see competition - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 02/13/07 - Tennessean.com The addition of defenseman Vitali Vishnevski over the weekend should make life a little more competitive for Nashville's blueliners. The Predators have carried just six defensemen for most of the season, meaning players didn't have to look over their shoulder following poor games. That's not the case with seven defensemen now on the roster. "On the back end, all six guys really knew they were going to be in," Coach Barry Trotz said. "There was no pressure on them to perform at any high level — other than them being good pros. "This should create some healthy competition. For the first time, one of the 'D' will sit out either because of (their) play, the opposition or coach's choice. Everyone's got to be accountable." The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Vishnevski, who led Atlanta with 128 hits in 52 games, made his Predators practice debut on Monday. Defensemen rotated during drills, so it wasn't clear who he'll be paired with Wednesday when the Predators play host to San Jose. Should the Predators choose to sit Greg Zanon, who has the least amount of NHL experience among the blueliners, it's possible Vishnevski would be paired with Ryan Suter. Vishnevski also has played the last four or five seasons on the left side, while Suter has played most of this season on the right side. "That's up to the coach — I just want to play hockey," Vishnevski said. "I'm just going to be a physical player like I (have been)."

02-22-2007, 09:00 AM	#80 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Canadiens game big for Montreal native Dumont - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 02/22/07 - Tennessean.com Any game Predators right wing J.P. Dumont plays against the Canadiens is a special one, since Dumont was born and raised in Montreal. "It's pretty much the only time my family and friends can watch me on television," Dumont said. "It's fun knowing everyone is watching. "Hockey is the most important sport in Montreal. They love their French-Canadian players and they want to support them."

02-22-2007, 09:05 AM	#81 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Preds hope Legwand lights fire under Radulov - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 02/21/07 - Tennessean.com Call it the Peter Forsberg trickle-down effect. The acquisition of the Swedish superstar bumped David Legwand from first to third-line center, where he's brought a healthy dose of speed and creativity to his new linemates. Third-line left wing Scott Hartnell took full advantage of the new setup in Monday's 4-1 win over Phoenix, snapping a nine-game goal drought by scoring twice against the Coyotes. One of those goals came on a Legwand assist. The question now: Will third-line right wing Alexander Radulov be the next to benefit from Legwand? The Russian rookie was all the rage the first few weeks of the season, when he lit the lamp 10 times in his first 18 games. But Radulov has just one goal in his last 24 games and he'll take a 15-game goalless streak into Thursday's duel with the Montreal Canadiens at Gaylord Entertainment Center. "He needs to get going here. He's got to have a little more game,'' Predators Coach Barry Trotz said of Radulov, whose last goal came on New Year's Day.

03-06-2007, 08:26 AM	#82 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	West foes not at full strength - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 03/06/07 - Tennessean.com In theory, tonight's meeting between the Predators and Detroit Red Wings is a showdown between heavyweights battling for Western Conference supremacy. In reality, it's a matchup of two injury-stricken teams desperately trying to maintain their perch. Here's proof: The odds of a player such as Rich Peverley, Ramzi Abid, Darryl Bootland or Matt Hussey emerging as a hero tonight are better than they are for players such as Peter Forsberg, Steve Sullivan, Henrik Zetterberg or Tomas Holmstrom. The former group — the first two are Predators, the second two are Red Wings — are at least healthy enough to play, which is more than can be said for a long list of bigger names on both teams. The Predators probably will be without Forsberg (upper body), Sullivan (back spasms) and Scott Hartnell (foot). Centers Jason Arnott and David Legwand, both of whom missed Sunday's game, are hoping to return to action tonight. Don't think for a minute the Red Wings, who enter the game two points behind Nashville in the Central Division, will have any sympathy for the Predators. In addition to injured forwards Zetterberg (back) and Holmstrom (upper body), Detroit is expected to be without goalie Dominik Hasek (thigh) and forwards Daniel Cleary (knee), Mikael Samuelsson (foot) and Todd Bertuzzi (back). Sound much like a clash of titans? "Every year, it's the team that gets through injuries during the season and the playoffs, and the team that presses forward, that's successful,'' Predators Coach Barry Trotz said. "Detroit is going through it just like we are. Everybody gets nicked up. It's the nature of the beast.''

03-07-2007, 08:33 AM	#83 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Shootout trips Preds - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 03/07/07 - Tennessean.com They lost the game and continue to lose players at an alarming rate, but the Predators refuse to lose their grip on the Western Conference lead. The Predators fell 4-3 in a shootout to Detroit in front of a sellout crowd at Joe Louis Arena on Tuesday, but by picking up a single point, Nashville remained one point ahead of the Red Wings in the Western Conference standings. The game marked the eighth straight game the Predators picked up at least one point, a stretch that's allowed them to stay ahead of the rival Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks.

03-08-2007, 08:17 AM	#84 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Can Preds hang on in Central? - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 03/08/07 - Tennessean.com They are back from their longest and most challenging road trip of the season, having posted a 3-0-2 record and collected eight of a possible 10 points. But as the Predators ready for tonight's home game against the Calgary Flames, they know they haven't achieved anything tangible just yet. It's hard to feel too comfortable, after all, when Detroit and Anaheim are breathing down your neck in pursuit of the best record in the Western Conference. So what are the odds the Predators will be able to fulfill their stated goal of winning the Central Division, which might very well mean finishing first in the conference as well?

03-08-2007, 08:24 AM	#85 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	If Preds get their way, name 'Nashville Arena' will be back - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 03/08/07 - Tennessean.com The Predators have apparently had no luck finding a sponsor to step up and pay for the naming rights to the Gaylord Entertainment Center, and the hockey team wants to change the name back to the Nashville Arena. Metro will decide later this month whether to accept the team's request to change the name of the 17,113-seat hockey and concert venue. Gaylord Entertainment Co. signed a 20-year, $80 million naming rights and partial ownership deal with the Predators in 1999. But the agreement was terminated in 2004, with Gaylord agreeing to pay the Predators more than $9 million over the next five years. Nashville Sports Authority Chairman Kevin Lavender said Wednesday that he had been traveling for two weeks and hadn't seen Predators Vice President Ed Lang's letter requesting the arena name change. But Lavender expects the Predators to unveil a presentation at the Sports Authority board of directors meeting on March 16. "I don't want to speak for the Predators, but they will probably walk us through what they're thinking about and what makes sense," Lavender said. "We certainly are interested in whatever makes the most sense for the building to be most successful long term." The Predators declined to comment Wednesday but have repeatedly said they are working to get a new naming rights partner for the arena. Lang's letter says that is the franchise's "ultimate intention" but that, in the interim, it would be more appropriate to change the name of the arena. Money from naming rights is important to NHL teams, especially ones in small markets like Nashville. The Predators rely heavily on the National Hockey League's revenue sharing, have struggled with corporate support, and are still looking for a minority owner to help improve ties with the city's corporate community.

03-18-2007, 12:50 PM	#86 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Predators outshine Modano - Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, 03/18/07 - Tennessean.com The Predators weren't about to let Dallas center Mike Modano become the Star of Saturday's contest. Modano did set a career record for goals by a U.S.-born player, but it was the Predators who snapped a five game losing streak to the Stars with a 3-2 win in front of a sellout crowd at Nashville Arena. The Preds hit the 100-point mark for the second consecutive season and but have yet to clinch a third straight playoff berth. "Making the playoffs was our first goal, and when that happens, that's great,'' Predators defenseman Kimmo Timonen said. "But now we've got bigger goals. Getting just one of our goals isn't enough.'' The Predators (47-20-6) hadn't been able to celebrate many wins over the Stars in recent years, as Nashville entered Saturday's contest with just one win over Dallas in the teams' last 11 meetings.

03-18-2007, 12:50 PM	#87 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Forsberg has assist in his return to ice - Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, 03/18/07 - Tennessean.com The Predators welcomed back center Peter Forsberg to the lineup Saturday following a six-game absence because of an "upper body'' injury. Forsberg picked up an assist on the Predators' second goal, won seven of 14 draws and saw 18:07 ice time in the Predators' 3-2 victory over Dallas. "Everything felt good,'' said Forsberg, who now has seven points in eight games with Nashville. "I hadn't played in a couple of weeks so the tempo was going to be high for the first couple shifts. Other than that, I thought we played really well.'' He's hopeful the ailment won't be a concern during the Predators' remaining nine games or the postseason. "I've rested long enough and feel good,'' Forsberg said. "I'm definitely confident I'll be good to go the rest of the way.''

03-21-2007, 07:04 AM	#88 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Modano downplays milestone snub in Nashville - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 03/21/07 - Tennessean.com Three days removed from a record-setting night and a role in an incident with the Predators that has stirred debate among hockey enthusiasts, Dallas Stars center Mike Modano was level-headed during a national conference call Tuesday afternoon. The six-time NHL All-Star said he was not nearly as upset as his team's president about the Predators' failure to pay tribute when he set a record for goals by an American-born player Saturday night at Nashville Arena. Modano also said he could have been called for a slash for hitting Jordin Tootoo with his stick after the Predators forward crumpled Dallas defenseman Stephan Robaidas with a punch, but that he stopped himself from a more aggressive swing that could have got him suspended. And he said it was hard to judge if the five-game suspension the NHL handed down for Tootoo was fair.

03-21-2007, 07:11 AM	#89 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Poile: Stars' president unprofessional - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 03/20/07 - Tennessean.com Comments by Dallas Stars President Jim Lites ripping the Predators were surprising, disappointing and "extremely unprofessional,'' Predators General Manager David Poile said Monday. In Monday's edition of The Dallas Morning News, Lites charged the Preds with "failing the game'' for not publicly recognizing Mike Modano's record-setting goal in Saturday's game at Nashville Arena, tore into Coach Barry Trotz for defending forward Jordin Tootoo and took shots at the franchise's economic state and scheduling preference. "Perhaps he should take that up with the commissioner or probably he should contact the Predators directly," Poile said. "That's extremely unprofessional on Lites' behalf. I can't think for a second that we would ever do or say something like that about Dallas. It's uncalled for and I'm sure we'll take that up with the commissioner.'' The NHL noticed the Lites comments, league spokesman Frank Brown. He said Commissioner Gary Bettman already had contacted Lites. "(Bettman) thought those comments were inappropriate and that was conveyed by the commissioner to the Stars,'' Brown said. Brown wouldn't say if Lites is subject to disciplinary action.