Predators Injured Reserve List - Page 2

PredDave · 12-13-2006, 08:22 AM

Lehtonen to head to Milwaukee

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612130472/1028

Predators defenseman Mikko Lehtonen is scheduled to head for Milwaukee of the American Hockey League this morning, preparing for a four-game conditioning stint that will begin tonight.

Lehtonen won't have to clear NHL waivers because the reassignment is only for conditioning purposes.

He was a healthy scratch for the fourth straight game on Monday and Predators Coach Barry Trotz said the move is designed to get Lehtonen some playing time.

This is the first season in North America for the 6-foot-1, 194-pound Lehtonen, who has played in 15 Predators games, posting one goal and two assists.

PredDave · 12-14-2006, 12:03 PM

Vokoun still few weeks away
Injury to goalie's hand worse than originally thought

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612140411/1028

Predators goaltender Tomas Vokoun, sidelined since having thumb surgery Nov. 27, returned to the ice this week but is still a few weeks from playing in a game.

The injury to Vokoun's left hand — his stick-handling hand — turned out to be slightly worse than anticipated.

During surgery, doctors discovered a small fracture in addition to torn ligaments, Coach Barry Trotz said on Wednesday. Doctors opted to insert a pin to help the healing.

The pin won't be removed for another week and a half, so it might be two weeks until Vokoun is able to handle a stick and perhaps until early January before he is back for a game.

"It was a little bit worse than originally thought, but not anything Earth shattering," Trotz said. "If it was originally going to be four to six weeks, it's probably going to be five not four. It didn't change a lot. They just did that to make sure it healed correctly and would be real solid."

Vokoun practiced Tuesday, but did so alone. He said he skated and did some drills — minus his most vital tool.

"No stick," Vokoun said. "So it was kind of awkward, but at least you are on the skates. It's good conditioning."

PredDave · 12-15-2006, 08:12 AM

Arnott's return a good decision

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612150427/1028

On Wednesday afternoon, Jason Arnott had little doubt in his mind that he would play against the Ottawa Senators. By Thursday morning he was reconsidering.

Soreness in his recently operated on right knee made him question whether he was ready to return to the ice. In the end, he decided to try.

The payoff? Two points — both in the form of assists — in the Predators' 6-0 win.

Arnott, who had surgery to repair torn cartilage on Nov. 22 and returned to practice for the first time on Monday, skated on a line with J.P. Dumont and Steve Sullivan on Thursday.

The trio proved potent combining for an even strength goal early in the second period and three minutes later collecting a power play goal.

"When you play with those type of players sometimes the game seems pretty easy," Arnott said. "We just went out and we clicked and good things happened."

Arnott walked tenderly into the dressing room after the game, his right knee wrapped in ice. He said he was going to try to play on Saturday when the Predators host St. Louis, but was unsure whether he would go Sunday in St. Louis.

"I will have to see how it reacts (Friday)," Arnott said. "As of now I am hopefully in for Saturday but the back-to-back could be iffy."

PredDave · 12-17-2006, 04:32 PM

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612170396/1028

Illness, injury update: Predators center Vern Fiddler suffered a shoulder injury during Saturday's 3-2 shootout victory over St. Louis. Predators Coach Barry Trotz said Fiddler would not play today against the Blues. Fiddler probably will be replaced in the lineup by Jerred Smithson.

Predators right wing Jordin Tootoo didn't participate in Saturday's morning skate, but said he's starting to overcome a virus that had weakened him. Tootoo hadn't been able to eat a solid meal in a couple of days.

"The biggest part is just feeling like my energy level isn't quite there yet,'' Tootoo said. "That's the first thing I need to get back up because that's what I bring to the table for this team. Hopefully being out for a couple of days will re-energize me.''

Trotz said he'll monitor center Jason Arnott's condition today before deciding whether Arnott will play against St. Louis. Arnott, who returned Thursday from knee surgery, has expressed some concerns about playing in a back-to-back situation so soon.

Right wing Scottie Upshall, who's been out since Nov. 16 with a groin strain, is scheduled to begin skating on his own in the coming week. At some point, Upshall is likely to head to Milwaukee for a conditioning stint before returning to the Predators lineup.

PredDave · 12-18-2006, 09:33 AM

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612180352/1028

Precautionary measures: The Predators left center Jason Arnott in Nashville on Sunday to give him time to rest and recover.

Arnott, who had knee surgery Nov. 22, returned to action on Thursday against Ottawa and played in the Predators last two games. However, it was felt that a back-to-back appearances on Saturday and Sunday would be too much for Arnott, who is still experiencing soreness.

"He came back real quickly and three games in four nights is pretty tough with only a practice and a half so we decided he wouldn't play," Trotz said.

Another Predators center, Vernon Fiddler, was also out of the lineup on Sunday after taking a hit on Saturday that caused him to leave the ice.

Trotz said he did not have an update on Fiddler, but that it was an upper body injury.

"I am not sure what it is," Trotz said. "He got squished."

Of late, the Predators have become accustomed to playing without some of their centermen. On last week's four-game West Coast road trip Nashville was without both Arnott, who had not yet returned to practice, and David Legwand, who injured his arm early in the trip.

PredDave · 12-19-2006, 04:22 PM

...here we go again!

Preds' Fiddler placed on IR

http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...RTS02/61219021

Vern Fiddler has been placed on the Predators injured reserve list after severely bruising his shoulder in the Predators' 3-2 overtime win against St. Louis on Saturday.

Predators Coach Barry Trotz estimated the 5-foot-11, 204-pound center would be out two weeks.

Fiddler has played in 29 games this season, scoring four goals and four assists. He has been instrumental in recent weeks, helping fill gaps left in the lineup with injuries to first- and second-line centers David Legwand and Jason Arnott. Both centers are now healthy.

The Predators have also decided to send defenseman Mikko Lehtonen back down to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League for two games.

This will be Lehtonen’s third stint with the Admirals since he suffered a concussion on Nov. 15

Lehtonen played four games for Milwaukee last week, scoring one goal and one assist before being recalled to Nashville on Sunday for re-evaluation in today’s practice.

The 28-year-old is playing his first season of American hockey after 11 seasons working through the Karpat Oulu system in his native Finland.

He does not have to clear waivers and is easily moved back and forth between the Predators and their Milwaukee affiliate.

The Predators travel to Chicago for a 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and return home to face Buffalo at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

PredDave · 12-20-2006, 12:41 PM

Bruised shoulder puts Fiddler on IR

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612200441/1028

Vern Fiddler has been placed on the Predators' injured-reserve list after severely bruising his shoulder in the Predators' 3-2 overtime win against St. Louis on Saturday.

Predators Coach Barry Trotz estimated the 5-foot-11, 204-pound center would be out two weeks.

"He got compressed against the boards," Trotz said. "He has had an MRI, the whole thing; there is nothing cracked or broken, he is just bound up pretty good."

Fiddler has played in 29 games this season, scoring four goals and four assists. He has been instrumental in recent weeks, helping fill gaps left in the lineup with injuries to first- and second-line centers David Legwand and Jason Arnott. Both centers are now healthy.

"It takes a little bit of depth away, a little bit of a penalty killer," Trotz said. "Fidds is a guy who we feel can move up offensively. That's the only drawback."

PredDave · 12-20-2006, 12:42 PM

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612200441/1028

Arnott a go: After choosing to stay home from Sunday's game in St. Louis, Arnott said he expects to play tonight in Chicago.

Arnott had decided to avoid playing back-to-back games last weekend in order to rest his right knee, on which he had surgery Nov. 22.

Trotz said he expected that Arnott would play in the back-to-back games this week, which includes hosting Buffalo on Thursday.

Upshall update: Predators right wing Scottie Upshall, who has missed the last 17 games with a groin strain suffered at Columbus on Nov. 15, has started skating on his own but is still about two weeks away from returning, Trotz said.

PredDave · 12-26-2006, 03:40 PM

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.

PredDave · 12-29-2006, 09:50 AM

Fiddler close:

Trotz said he'll decide this morning whether to put center Vern Fiddler back into the lineup.

Fiddler hasn't played since suffering a shoulder injury against St. Louis on Dec. 16. But he's practiced the last few days and said Thursday he felt ready to go.

"We'll see how he feels in the morning," Trotz said. "If he's ready to get back in the lineup, there's a good chance he will be in there."

Said Fiddler: "It's feeling better and better. There's still a little soreness and ache, but once you're on the ice and in the heat of the battle, you don't think about it."

PredDave · 01-04-2007, 12:31 PM

Playing time is coach's goal - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 01/03/07 - Tennessean.com

Rinne update: Goaltender Pekka Rinne, sidelined since undergoing shoulder surgery during training camp, was also on the ice Tuesday.

He's also expected to spend today and Thursday working with Korn before returning to Milwaukee to practice with the Admirals on Friday.

"We are optimistic that in a few weeks, no pinpointed date, we will be able to get him in game situation," Korn said.

Upshall update: Predators forward Scottie Upshall, who has been on injured reserve since suffering a groin strain against Columbus on Nov. 15, said he could return to practice later this week.

He's been skating on his own for several weeks and is scheduled to do so again today.

"I want to make it where I feel comfortable taking body checks and playing in traffic," Upshall said.

PredDave · 01-04-2007, 12:52 PM

Erat hurt:

Erat had to be helped off the ice at the end of practice Wednesday after slipping and falling.

Trotz said he believed the forward might have strained a hip flexor after accidentally stepping on teammate Jason Arnott's stick. But the coach said he didn't think Erat would have to miss any time because of the injury.

PredDave · 01-05-2007, 10:10 AM

Erat's status for Chicago game uncertain - Nashville, Tennessee - Friday, 01/05/07 - Tennessean.com

Predators winger Martin Erat did not participate in practice Thursday after straining a hip flexor in a fall during Wednesday's practice.

Erat said he will take part in the morning skate prior to tonight's game in Chicago and Predators Coach Barry Trotz said Erat is a "possibility" to play.

"I feel fine," Erat said. "We will see in warmup how it is going to be."

In Erat's absence, rookie Alexander Radulov practiced on the first line with Paul Kariya and David Legwand. Trotz said he was trying to get a feel for different scenarios in case Erat can't play and to examine Radulov's "thought process" with Kariya and Legwand.

PredDave · 01-06-2007, 11:39 AM

Erat Sits:

Predators forward Martin Erat missed Friday's contest against Chicago and is doubtful for tonight's game against St. Louis.

Erat suffered a strained hip flexor when he stepped on a stick and fell to the ice at the end of Wednesday's practice. He participated in Friday's morning skate, but received treatment afterward.

Trotz said Erat, whose 33 points are third-best on the team, has a chance at returning Tuesday against Anaheim.

For Chicago, talented forward Martin Havlat missed the contest with a groin strain.

PredDave · 01-08-2007, 01:55 PM

Tennessean article

Vokoun off IR: Predators goalie Tomas Vokoun made his return from injured reserve Saturday.

Vokoun, who hadn't played since suffering torn ligaments and a fractured bone in his thumb Nov. 23, served as Mason's backup. Predators Coach Barry Trotz had considered starting Vokoun against the Blues but instead will give Vokoun his first 2007 start on Tuesday against Anaheim.

The return of Vokoun to the roster temporarily gives the Predators three goalies. Michael Leighton is likely to stay on Nashville's roster at least until after the Anaheim contest, as an insurance policy against anything going wrong with Vokoun.

Assuming all goes well with Vokoun, Leighton would then be reassigned to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League. He'd have to clear waivers to go to Milwaukee, however, which means other NHL teams would be allowed to claim him.

Anaheim would have the first shot at Leighton, since he was with the Ducks organization when the Predators picked him up off waivers.

Upshall improving: Trotz said forward Scottie Upshall could start practicing early this coming week.

Upshall hasn't played since Nov. 15 when he suffered a groin injury in a game against Columbus. Upshall will likely head to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League on a conditioning assignment.

12-13-2006, 08:22 AM	#16 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Lehtonen to head to Milwaukee http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612130472/1028 Predators defenseman Mikko Lehtonen is scheduled to head for Milwaukee of the American Hockey League this morning, preparing for a four-game conditioning stint that will begin tonight. Lehtonen won't have to clear NHL waivers because the reassignment is only for conditioning purposes. He was a healthy scratch for the fourth straight game on Monday and Predators Coach Barry Trotz said the move is designed to get Lehtonen some playing time. This is the first season in North America for the 6-foot-1, 194-pound Lehtonen, who has played in 15 Predators games, posting one goal and two assists.

12-14-2006, 12:03 PM	#17 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Vokoun still few weeks away Injury to goalie's hand worse than originally thought http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612140411/1028 Predators goaltender Tomas Vokoun, sidelined since having thumb surgery Nov. 27, returned to the ice this week but is still a few weeks from playing in a game. The injury to Vokoun's left hand — his stick-handling hand — turned out to be slightly worse than anticipated. During surgery, doctors discovered a small fracture in addition to torn ligaments, Coach Barry Trotz said on Wednesday. Doctors opted to insert a pin to help the healing. The pin won't be removed for another week and a half, so it might be two weeks until Vokoun is able to handle a stick and perhaps until early January before he is back for a game. "It was a little bit worse than originally thought, but not anything Earth shattering," Trotz said. "If it was originally going to be four to six weeks, it's probably going to be five not four. It didn't change a lot. They just did that to make sure it healed correctly and would be real solid." Vokoun practiced Tuesday, but did so alone. He said he skated and did some drills — minus his most vital tool. "No stick," Vokoun said. "So it was kind of awkward, but at least you are on the skates. It's good conditioning."

12-15-2006, 08:12 AM	#18 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Arnott's return a good decision http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612150427/1028 On Wednesday afternoon, Jason Arnott had little doubt in his mind that he would play against the Ottawa Senators. By Thursday morning he was reconsidering. Soreness in his recently operated on right knee made him question whether he was ready to return to the ice. In the end, he decided to try. The payoff? Two points — both in the form of assists — in the Predators' 6-0 win. Arnott, who had surgery to repair torn cartilage on Nov. 22 and returned to practice for the first time on Monday, skated on a line with J.P. Dumont and Steve Sullivan on Thursday. The trio proved potent combining for an even strength goal early in the second period and three minutes later collecting a power play goal. "When you play with those type of players sometimes the game seems pretty easy," Arnott said. "We just went out and we clicked and good things happened." Arnott walked tenderly into the dressing room after the game, his right knee wrapped in ice. He said he was going to try to play on Saturday when the Predators host St. Louis, but was unsure whether he would go Sunday in St. Louis. "I will have to see how it reacts (Friday)," Arnott said. "As of now I am hopefully in for Saturday but the back-to-back could be iffy."

12-17-2006, 04:32 PM	#19 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612170396/1028 Illness, injury update: Predators center Vern Fiddler suffered a shoulder injury during Saturday's 3-2 shootout victory over St. Louis. Predators Coach Barry Trotz said Fiddler would not play today against the Blues. Fiddler probably will be replaced in the lineup by Jerred Smithson. Predators right wing Jordin Tootoo didn't participate in Saturday's morning skate, but said he's starting to overcome a virus that had weakened him. Tootoo hadn't been able to eat a solid meal in a couple of days. "The biggest part is just feeling like my energy level isn't quite there yet,'' Tootoo said. "That's the first thing I need to get back up because that's what I bring to the table for this team. Hopefully being out for a couple of days will re-energize me.'' Trotz said he'll monitor center Jason Arnott's condition today before deciding whether Arnott will play against St. Louis. Arnott, who returned Thursday from knee surgery, has expressed some concerns about playing in a back-to-back situation so soon. Right wing Scottie Upshall, who's been out since Nov. 16 with a groin strain, is scheduled to begin skating on his own in the coming week. At some point, Upshall is likely to head to Milwaukee for a conditioning stint before returning to the Predators lineup.

12-18-2006, 09:33 AM	#20 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612180352/1028 Precautionary measures: The Predators left center Jason Arnott in Nashville on Sunday to give him time to rest and recover. Arnott, who had knee surgery Nov. 22, returned to action on Thursday against Ottawa and played in the Predators last two games. However, it was felt that a back-to-back appearances on Saturday and Sunday would be too much for Arnott, who is still experiencing soreness. "He came back real quickly and three games in four nights is pretty tough with only a practice and a half so we decided he wouldn't play," Trotz said. Another Predators center, Vernon Fiddler, was also out of the lineup on Sunday after taking a hit on Saturday that caused him to leave the ice. Trotz said he did not have an update on Fiddler, but that it was an upper body injury. "I am not sure what it is," Trotz said. "He got squished." Of late, the Predators have become accustomed to playing without some of their centermen. On last week's four-game West Coast road trip Nashville was without both Arnott, who had not yet returned to practice, and David Legwand, who injured his arm early in the trip.

12-19-2006, 04:22 PM	#21 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	...here we go again! Preds' Fiddler placed on IR http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...RTS02/61219021 Vern Fiddler has been placed on the Predators injured reserve list after severely bruising his shoulder in the Predators' 3-2 overtime win against St. Louis on Saturday. Predators Coach Barry Trotz estimated the 5-foot-11, 204-pound center would be out two weeks. Fiddler has played in 29 games this season, scoring four goals and four assists. He has been instrumental in recent weeks, helping fill gaps left in the lineup with injuries to first- and second-line centers David Legwand and Jason Arnott. Both centers are now healthy. The Predators have also decided to send defenseman Mikko Lehtonen back down to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League for two games. This will be Lehtonen’s third stint with the Admirals since he suffered a concussion on Nov. 15 Lehtonen played four games for Milwaukee last week, scoring one goal and one assist before being recalled to Nashville on Sunday for re-evaluation in today’s practice. The 28-year-old is playing his first season of American hockey after 11 seasons working through the Karpat Oulu system in his native Finland. He does not have to clear waivers and is easily moved back and forth between the Predators and their Milwaukee affiliate. The Predators travel to Chicago for a 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and return home to face Buffalo at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

12-20-2006, 12:41 PM	#22 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Bruised shoulder puts Fiddler on IR http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612200441/1028 Vern Fiddler has been placed on the Predators' injured-reserve list after severely bruising his shoulder in the Predators' 3-2 overtime win against St. Louis on Saturday. Predators Coach Barry Trotz estimated the 5-foot-11, 204-pound center would be out two weeks. "He got compressed against the boards," Trotz said. "He has had an MRI, the whole thing; there is nothing cracked or broken, he is just bound up pretty good." Fiddler has played in 29 games this season, scoring four goals and four assists. He has been instrumental in recent weeks, helping fill gaps left in the lineup with injuries to first- and second-line centers David Legwand and Jason Arnott. Both centers are now healthy. "It takes a little bit of depth away, a little bit of a penalty killer," Trotz said. "Fidds is a guy who we feel can move up offensively. That's the only drawback."

12-20-2006, 12:42 PM	#23 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....612200441/1028 Arnott a go: After choosing to stay home from Sunday's game in St. Louis, Arnott said he expects to play tonight in Chicago. Arnott had decided to avoid playing back-to-back games last weekend in order to rest his right knee, on which he had surgery Nov. 22. Trotz said he expected that Arnott would play in the back-to-back games this week, which includes hosting Buffalo on Thursday. Upshall update: Predators right wing Scottie Upshall, who has missed the last 17 games with a groin strain suffered at Columbus on Nov. 15, has started skating on his own but is still about two weeks away from returning, Trotz said.

12-26-2006, 03:40 PM	#24 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	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.

12-29-2006, 09:50 AM	#25 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Fiddler close: Trotz said he'll decide this morning whether to put center Vern Fiddler back into the lineup. Fiddler hasn't played since suffering a shoulder injury against St. Louis on Dec. 16. But he's practiced the last few days and said Thursday he felt ready to go. "We'll see how he feels in the morning," Trotz said. "If he's ready to get back in the lineup, there's a good chance he will be in there." Said Fiddler: "It's feeling better and better. There's still a little soreness and ache, but once you're on the ice and in the heat of the battle, you don't think about it."

01-04-2007, 12:31 PM	#26 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Playing time is coach's goal - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 01/03/07 - Tennessean.com Rinne update: Goaltender Pekka Rinne, sidelined since undergoing shoulder surgery during training camp, was also on the ice Tuesday. He's also expected to spend today and Thursday working with Korn before returning to Milwaukee to practice with the Admirals on Friday. "We are optimistic that in a few weeks, no pinpointed date, we will be able to get him in game situation," Korn said. Upshall update: Predators forward Scottie Upshall, who has been on injured reserve since suffering a groin strain against Columbus on Nov. 15, said he could return to practice later this week. He's been skating on his own for several weeks and is scheduled to do so again today. "I want to make it where I feel comfortable taking body checks and playing in traffic," Upshall said.

01-04-2007, 12:52 PM	#27 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Erat hurt: Erat had to be helped off the ice at the end of practice Wednesday after slipping and falling. Trotz said he believed the forward might have strained a hip flexor after accidentally stepping on teammate Jason Arnott's stick. But the coach said he didn't think Erat would have to miss any time because of the injury.

01-05-2007, 10:10 AM	#28 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Erat's status for Chicago game uncertain - Nashville, Tennessee - Friday, 01/05/07 - Tennessean.com Predators winger Martin Erat did not participate in practice Thursday after straining a hip flexor in a fall during Wednesday's practice. Erat said he will take part in the morning skate prior to tonight's game in Chicago and Predators Coach Barry Trotz said Erat is a "possibility" to play. "I feel fine," Erat said. "We will see in warmup how it is going to be." In Erat's absence, rookie Alexander Radulov practiced on the first line with Paul Kariya and David Legwand. Trotz said he was trying to get a feel for different scenarios in case Erat can't play and to examine Radulov's "thought process" with Kariya and Legwand.

01-06-2007, 11:39 AM	#29 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Erat Sits: Predators forward Martin Erat missed Friday's contest against Chicago and is doubtful for tonight's game against St. Louis. Erat suffered a strained hip flexor when he stepped on a stick and fell to the ice at the end of Wednesday's practice. He participated in Friday's morning skate, but received treatment afterward. Trotz said Erat, whose 33 points are third-best on the team, has a chance at returning Tuesday against Anaheim. For Chicago, talented forward Martin Havlat missed the contest with a groin strain.

01-08-2007, 01:55 PM	#30 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Tennessean article Vokoun off IR: Predators goalie Tomas Vokoun made his return from injured reserve Saturday. Vokoun, who hadn't played since suffering torn ligaments and a fractured bone in his thumb Nov. 23, served as Mason's backup. Predators Coach Barry Trotz had considered starting Vokoun against the Blues but instead will give Vokoun his first 2007 start on Tuesday against Anaheim. The return of Vokoun to the roster temporarily gives the Predators three goalies. Michael Leighton is likely to stay on Nashville's roster at least until after the Anaheim contest, as an insurance policy against anything going wrong with Vokoun. Assuming all goes well with Vokoun, Leighton would then be reassigned to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League. He'd have to clear waivers to go to Milwaukee, however, which means other NHL teams would be allowed to claim him. Anaheim would have the first shot at Leighton, since he was with the Ducks organization when the Predators picked him up off waivers. Upshall improving: Trotz said forward Scottie Upshall could start practicing early this coming week. Upshall hasn't played since Nov. 15 when he suffered a groin injury in a game against Columbus. Upshall will likely head to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League on a conditioning assignment.