GDT: Predators @ Stars - 12/29/2006 7:30pm CST

PredDave · 12-28-2006, 08:24 AM

News - GAMEDAY: Predators at Stars, 7:30PM - Nashville Predators

TONIGHT'S MATCH-UP

WHO: Nashville Predators (25-9-3) vs. Dallas Stars (24-14-0)

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. CT

WHERE: America Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

TONIGHT THE PREDS WEAR: White

TELEVISION: FSN South (Comcast cable Ch. 28 in Davidson and Williamson counties; DirecTV regional sports network alternate Ch. 664)

RADIO: WNSR 560-AM, XM Radio channel 208

The Nashville Predators will put their No. 2 road record on the line and forward Jason Arnott will get to renew some old acquaintances tonight when the Predators travel to Dallas to face the Stars in a 7:30 p.m. CT game at American Airlines Center. The game will be broadcast locally on FSN South and WNSR 560-AM.

The Predators (25-9-3), who have won seven of their last eight games, will be looking to avenge a 1-0 loss to the Stars at American Airlines Center on Nov. 22. Jeff Halpern scored 4:11 into Period 3 to break a 0-0 deadlock in that game. Dallas put the Predators on their heels in the opening minutes of that contest, but Nashville tilted the ice in the other direction over the final half of the first period. The second and third periods were similarly back and forth, with goaltenders Tomas Vokoun and Mike Smith making key saves to cover for teammates' mistakes.

Tonight the Predators will be without Vokoun but will have the services of Arnott, who will face his former club for the first time since signing with Nashville as a free agent last summer. The 6'4", 220-pound center has made a big impact on the Predators and has 21 points in 25 games with his new team this season. In six games since returning from a knee injury, Arnott has 3 goals and 5 assists, with one of those goals counting as the game winner against Los Angeles on Dec. 23.

Dallas (24-14-0) has won four of its last six entering tonight's game but a slew of injuries have hit the club. Captain Brendan Morrow is out indefinitely with a wrist injury while centers Mike Modano, Eric Lindros and Steve Ott are all day-to-day with lower body injuries. Defenseman Philippe Boucher leads the Stars in scoring with 27 points in 37 games, while fellow blueliner Sergei Zubov and center Mike Ribeiro are tied at second with 24 points each.

Predators Notes: Goaltender Chris Mason has started 16 straight games and has appeared in the club's last 17 contests. Mason is currently ranked second in the NHL in save percentage (.927) and ninth in goals-against average (2.35). Mason, who is 7-1-0 in his last eight starts and 14-4-2 in his last 20 starts, is currently one game shy of tying his career-high in games played. He played in 23 games in 2005-06… Paul Kariya has four points in his last two games (2g-2a) and 12 points (5g-7a) over his last eight contests. Nashville is 10-0-0 this season when Kariya scores… Martin Erat posted two assists in Tuesday's win vs. St. Louis and now has 11 points (1g-10a) in his last 10 games. Erat is ranked second on the club in assists (24) and is ranked third in scoring (7g-26a-33pts). Erat will skate in his 300th career NHL game tonight… David Legwand (10g-16a-26pts) has already surpassed his goal total and has equaled his point total of 2005-06. He had 26 points (7g-19a) in 44 games last season… Scott Hartnell scored his team-leading 14th goal of the season on Tuesday. Hartnell also leads the team in power-play goals (9) and shots (102)… Alexander Radulov scored the game-deciding shootout goal in his first NHL shootout attempt vs. St. Louis on Tuesday… Kimmo Timonen is on a five-game point streak (1g-5a-6pts).

PredDave · 12-29-2006, 08:57 AM

PREDATORS AT STARS

• Where: American Airlines Center.

• When: 7:30 p.m.

• TV: Fox Sports Net.

• Radio: 560-AM.

• Season series: Stars lead 1-0.

• Predators storyline: The Predators have won seven of their last eight games, picking up five one-goal victories during that stretch. … Nashville has lost six straight games in Dallas and has won just twice in 15 trips here. … Left wing Paul Kariya has collected 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in his last eight games. … Defenseman Kimmo Timonen has a five-game point streak, and has totaled one goal and five assists during that stretch. … Nashville has at least one power-play goal in eight consecutive games. … Center Vern Fiddler (shoulder) could return to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 16.

• Stars storyline: Dallas has won three of its last four games, including Wednesday's come-from-behind 5-4 win at Colorado. … The Stars collected three power-play goals in that game. … Dallas has surrendered 86 goals this season, the third-fewest in the NHL behind Detroit and San Jose. … Defenseman Philippe Boucher leads the Stars with 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) and fellow blueliner Sergei Zubov (six goals, 18 assists) is tied for second.

• Predators injuries: RW Scottie Upshall (groin) and G Tomas Vokoun (thumb) are out, and C Vern Fiddler (shoulder) is questionable.

• Stars injuries: LW Brenden Morrow (wrist) is out; C Mike Modano (hip flexor) and C Steve Ott (ankle) are doubtful; C Eric Lindros (upper body) is questionable.

PredDave · 12-29-2006, 09:48 AM

Danger in Dallas:

The Predators have won just two games in Dallas over the years, fewer victories than Nashville has produced against any other Western Conference opponent.

The Stars have beaten the Predators six straight times in Big D, including a 1-0 win over Nashville on Nov. 22.

"It used to be that we couldn't win in Detroit, and that's not an issue now, and it used to be we couldn't win in St. Louis, and that's not an issue now," Predators Coach Barry Trotz said. "But going down the list, Dallas is one of those places we need to have more success in."

PredDave · 12-29-2006, 10:00 AM

Nashville (25-9-3) at Dallas (24-14-0)

NHL - Nashville Predators/Dallas Stars Preview Friday December 29, 2006 - Yahoo! Sports

The Nashville Predators may be one of the best teams in hockey, but the Dallas Stars are not likely intimidated.

Dallas tries to continue its home dominance of the Predators and press on without its injured captain as the teams meet Friday.

Nashville (25-9-3) leads the Central Division and is second in the Western Conference with 53 points. The Predators have won seven of their last eight games, including Tuesday night's 3-2 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues.

Seven of Nashville's nine regulation losses have come on the road, however, including a 1-0 defeat at Dallas on Nov. 22. That contest improved the Stars to 8-1-1 in the last 10 meetings with the Predators.

"We've had some close games," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. "We haven't been able to get on the positive side."

Frequently when the teams have met in Dallas, the games have not been close. The Stars have won their last six home meetings with the Predators, and 13 of 15 all-time while outscoring Nashville by a combined 43-17. Five of the Dallas victories have come by three goals or more.

PredDave · 12-30-2006, 12:47 PM

Refs totally decided this game's outcome... Koharski is a TOOL!

Reffing was a joke

Dallas did not deserve to win this game at all. Oh well, better luck next time.

PredDave · 12-30-2006, 12:47 PM

Preds are in slump vs. Stars
Penalties wreck chances at Dallas

Preds are in slump vs. Stars - Nashville, Tennessee - Saturday, 12/30/06 - Tennessean.com

Perhaps it's the winter humidity or the western terrain.

There's just something about Dallas that doesn't sync well with the Predators.

It showed again Friday night as the Stars defeated the Predators 4-1 in front of 18,532 fans at American Airlines Arena.

Nashville has won just two of its 16 games in Dallas.

"If we want a chance to do well in the playoffs, we have to beat good teams in their buildings," Predators goalie Chris Mason said. "So it (stinks) that every time we come here, we come up short.

"I don't know if it's mental or psychological but it's got to stop sooner or later."

PredDave · 12-30-2006, 12:48 PM

Preds are feeling blue
Stars defensemen tough to crack

Preds are feeling blue - Nashville, Tennessee - Saturday, 12/30/06 - Tennessean.com

In the battle of the blueliners, the Dallas Stars average almost a decade more NHL experience than the Predators.

Those years add up to a lot of lessons learned and a lot of techniques perfected.

In recent years, the Predators have felt the brunt of that experience, which is about 13.17 years per Dallas defenseman.

In the past 11 games against the Stars, Nashville has just one win and one tie. On Friday, the Predators lost 4-1.

"They have a culture here," Predators Coach Barry Trotz said. "They have a lot of veteran guys, and they are hard to rattle."

12-28-2006, 08:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	GDT: Predators @ Stars - 12/29/2006 7:30pm CST News - GAMEDAY: Predators at Stars, 7:30PM - Nashville Predators TONIGHT'S MATCH-UP WHO: Nashville Predators (25-9-3) vs. Dallas Stars (24-14-0) WHEN: 7:30 p.m. CT WHERE: America Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas TONIGHT THE PREDS WEAR: White TELEVISION: FSN South (Comcast cable Ch. 28 in Davidson and Williamson counties; DirecTV regional sports network alternate Ch. 664) RADIO: WNSR 560-AM, XM Radio channel 208 The Nashville Predators will put their No. 2 road record on the line and forward Jason Arnott will get to renew some old acquaintances tonight when the Predators travel to Dallas to face the Stars in a 7:30 p.m. CT game at American Airlines Center. The game will be broadcast locally on FSN South and WNSR 560-AM. The Predators (25-9-3), who have won seven of their last eight games, will be looking to avenge a 1-0 loss to the Stars at American Airlines Center on Nov. 22. Jeff Halpern scored 4:11 into Period 3 to break a 0-0 deadlock in that game. Dallas put the Predators on their heels in the opening minutes of that contest, but Nashville tilted the ice in the other direction over the final half of the first period. The second and third periods were similarly back and forth, with goaltenders Tomas Vokoun and Mike Smith making key saves to cover for teammates' mistakes. Tonight the Predators will be without Vokoun but will have the services of Arnott, who will face his former club for the first time since signing with Nashville as a free agent last summer. The 6'4", 220-pound center has made a big impact on the Predators and has 21 points in 25 games with his new team this season. In six games since returning from a knee injury, Arnott has 3 goals and 5 assists, with one of those goals counting as the game winner against Los Angeles on Dec. 23. Dallas (24-14-0) has won four of its last six entering tonight's game but a slew of injuries have hit the club. Captain Brendan Morrow is out indefinitely with a wrist injury while centers Mike Modano, Eric Lindros and Steve Ott are all day-to-day with lower body injuries. Defenseman Philippe Boucher leads the Stars in scoring with 27 points in 37 games, while fellow blueliner Sergei Zubov and center Mike Ribeiro are tied at second with 24 points each. Predators Notes: Goaltender Chris Mason has started 16 straight games and has appeared in the club's last 17 contests. Mason is currently ranked second in the NHL in save percentage (.927) and ninth in goals-against average (2.35). Mason, who is 7-1-0 in his last eight starts and 14-4-2 in his last 20 starts, is currently one game shy of tying his career-high in games played. He played in 23 games in 2005-06… Paul Kariya has four points in his last two games (2g-2a) and 12 points (5g-7a) over his last eight contests. Nashville is 10-0-0 this season when Kariya scores… Martin Erat posted two assists in Tuesday's win vs. St. Louis and now has 11 points (1g-10a) in his last 10 games. Erat is ranked second on the club in assists (24) and is ranked third in scoring (7g-26a-33pts). Erat will skate in his 300th career NHL game tonight… David Legwand (10g-16a-26pts) has already surpassed his goal total and has equaled his point total of 2005-06. He had 26 points (7g-19a) in 44 games last season… Scott Hartnell scored his team-leading 14th goal of the season on Tuesday. Hartnell also leads the team in power-play goals (9) and shots (102)… Alexander Radulov scored the game-deciding shootout goal in his first NHL shootout attempt vs. St. Louis on Tuesday… Kimmo Timonen is on a five-game point streak (1g-5a-6pts). Last edited by PredDave; 12-29-2006 at 11:04 AM.

12-29-2006, 08:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	PREDATORS AT STARS • Where: American Airlines Center. • When: 7:30 p.m. • TV: Fox Sports Net. • Radio: 560-AM. • Season series: Stars lead 1-0. • Predators storyline: The Predators have won seven of their last eight games, picking up five one-goal victories during that stretch. … Nashville has lost six straight games in Dallas and has won just twice in 15 trips here. … Left wing Paul Kariya has collected 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in his last eight games. … Defenseman Kimmo Timonen has a five-game point streak, and has totaled one goal and five assists during that stretch. … Nashville has at least one power-play goal in eight consecutive games. … Center Vern Fiddler (shoulder) could return to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 16. • Stars storyline: Dallas has won three of its last four games, including Wednesday's come-from-behind 5-4 win at Colorado. … The Stars collected three power-play goals in that game. … Dallas has surrendered 86 goals this season, the third-fewest in the NHL behind Detroit and San Jose. … Defenseman Philippe Boucher leads the Stars with 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) and fellow blueliner Sergei Zubov (six goals, 18 assists) is tied for second. • Predators injuries: RW Scottie Upshall (groin) and G Tomas Vokoun (thumb) are out, and C Vern Fiddler (shoulder) is questionable. • Stars injuries: LW Brenden Morrow (wrist) is out; C Mike Modano (hip flexor) and C Steve Ott (ankle) are doubtful; C Eric Lindros (upper body) is questionable.

12-29-2006, 09:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Danger in Dallas: The Predators have won just two games in Dallas over the years, fewer victories than Nashville has produced against any other Western Conference opponent. The Stars have beaten the Predators six straight times in Big D, including a 1-0 win over Nashville on Nov. 22. "It used to be that we couldn't win in Detroit, and that's not an issue now, and it used to be we couldn't win in St. Louis, and that's not an issue now," Predators Coach Barry Trotz said. "But going down the list, Dallas is one of those places we need to have more success in."

12-29-2006, 10:00 AM	#4 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Nashville (25-9-3) at Dallas (24-14-0) NHL - Nashville Predators/Dallas Stars Preview Friday December 29, 2006 - Yahoo! Sports The Nashville Predators may be one of the best teams in hockey, but the Dallas Stars are not likely intimidated. Dallas tries to continue its home dominance of the Predators and press on without its injured captain as the teams meet Friday. Nashville (25-9-3) leads the Central Division and is second in the Western Conference with 53 points. The Predators have won seven of their last eight games, including Tuesday night's 3-2 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues. Seven of Nashville's nine regulation losses have come on the road, however, including a 1-0 defeat at Dallas on Nov. 22. That contest improved the Stars to 8-1-1 in the last 10 meetings with the Predators. "We've had some close games," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. "We haven't been able to get on the positive side." Frequently when the teams have met in Dallas, the games have not been close. The Stars have won their last six home meetings with the Predators, and 13 of 15 all-time while outscoring Nashville by a combined 43-17. Five of the Dallas victories have come by three goals or more.

12-30-2006, 12:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Refs totally decided this game's outcome... Koharski is a TOOL! Reffing was a joke Dallas did not deserve to win this game at all. Oh well, better luck next time.

12-30-2006, 12:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Preds are in slump vs. Stars Penalties wreck chances at Dallas Preds are in slump vs. Stars - Nashville, Tennessee - Saturday, 12/30/06 - Tennessean.com Perhaps it's the winter humidity or the western terrain. There's just something about Dallas that doesn't sync well with the Predators. It showed again Friday night as the Stars defeated the Predators 4-1 in front of 18,532 fans at American Airlines Arena. Nashville has won just two of its 16 games in Dallas. "If we want a chance to do well in the playoffs, we have to beat good teams in their buildings," Predators goalie Chris Mason said. "So it (stinks) that every time we come here, we come up short. "I don't know if it's mental or psychological but it's got to stop sooner or later."

12-30-2006, 12:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
PredDave Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 832	Preds are feeling blue Stars defensemen tough to crack Preds are feeling blue - Nashville, Tennessee - Saturday, 12/30/06 - Tennessean.com In the battle of the blueliners, the Dallas Stars average almost a decade more NHL experience than the Predators. Those years add up to a lot of lessons learned and a lot of techniques perfected. In recent years, the Predators have felt the brunt of that experience, which is about 13.17 years per Dallas defenseman. In the past 11 games against the Stars, Nashville has just one win and one tie. On Friday, the Predators lost 4-1. "They have a culture here," Predators Coach Barry Trotz said. "They have a lot of veteran guys, and they are hard to rattle."