Arnott set to return this week

PredDave · 12-09-2006, 04:16 PM

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs..../1028/sports02

It won't help the Predators in their game tonight against San Jose, but they do have a little good news on the injury front.

Center Jason Arnott, who underwent knee surgery for a torn meniscus cartilage Nov. 22, has already started skating on his own and Predators Coach Barry Trotz said there's a chance he could return to the lineup on Tuesday or Thursday for home games against Edmonton and Ottawa.

It's been just 2½ weeks since Arnott's surgery, which was expected to sideline him three to six weeks.

His return would be a welcome relief for the Predators, who will also be without center David Legwand, left wing Steve Sullivan, right wing Scottie Upshall and goalie Tomas Vokoun tonight.

"The injuries happen, especially when you play a lot of road games against good teams," Trotz said. "It takes its toll, mentally and physically."

Vokoun had thumb surgery on Nov. 27, is scheduled to resume skating on Monday and hopes to be fitted soon with a cast that will allow him to grip a hockey stick.

He'll be joined on the ice by goalie Pekka Rinne, who underwent shoulder surgery during training camp after putting together a strong 2005-06 season at Milwaukee of the American Hockey League.

As for two of the injured forwards, Trotz is hoping Legwand might return from what the team has called a hand injury by Tuesday, and says Sullivan right now is questionable for Tuesday and probable for Thursday.

12-09-2006, 04:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Arnott set to return this week http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs..../1028/sports02 It won't help the Predators in their game tonight against San Jose, but they do have a little good news on the injury front. Center Jason Arnott, who underwent knee surgery for a torn meniscus cartilage Nov. 22, has already started skating on his own and Predators Coach Barry Trotz said there's a chance he could return to the lineup on Tuesday or Thursday for home games against Edmonton and Ottawa. It's been just 2½ weeks since Arnott's surgery, which was expected to sideline him three to six weeks. His return would be a welcome relief for the Predators, who will also be without center David Legwand, left wing Steve Sullivan, right wing Scottie Upshall and goalie Tomas Vokoun tonight. "The injuries happen, especially when you play a lot of road games against good teams," Trotz said. "It takes its toll, mentally and physically." Vokoun had thumb surgery on Nov. 27, is scheduled to resume skating on Monday and hopes to be fitted soon with a cast that will allow him to grip a hockey stick. He'll be joined on the ice by goalie Pekka Rinne, who underwent shoulder surgery during training camp after putting together a strong 2005-06 season at Milwaukee of the American Hockey League. As for two of the injured forwards, Trotz is hoping Legwand might return from what the team has called a hand injury by Tuesday, and says Sullivan right now is questionable for Tuesday and probable for Thursday.