Tuesday's news: Medic!

by Dirk Hoag on Nov 9, 2010 10:05 AM EST in Nashville Predators News

With two more days until the Nashville Predators play St. Louis on the road, all eyes will be on practice to see if injured players like Martin Erat, Ryan Suter, and Matthew Lombardi make any progress towards a return.

Follow after the jump for some perspective on the team's recent play, some speculation about a top prospect getting traded within the junior hockey ranks, and a whole lot more...

The Preds return to Bridgestone Arena Saturday against the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, so take advantage of the OtF discount and save money on Nashville Predators tickets for this, or any other home game.

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To keep up with all of our coverage of the Nashville Predators, you can follow us on Twitter (@Forechecker, @predatweeter, @SLakePreds & @AdsRoundtable) and if you have any questions, feel free to email me at the.forechecker@gmail.com.

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Comments

Erat Hatred

I will never say he’s worth his contract, but the excitement many showed when he was pulled from the lineup is irrational. The guy contributes on both sides of the ice when he’s healthy and to think his absence is a blessing ignores his abilities. He had as good of a season as Sullivan last year (and absolutely demolished him in figure skating scores!). Sure, two points less, but he was second on the team in goals. I can understand some frustration, but the over the top criticism is usually not founded in anything but personal grudges.

With that said, Suter. Please return. We need you desperately.

by dnorm4 on Nov 9, 2010 10:55 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Erat

Overrated. Floats. 20 goals a year, which is something on this team, but not all that impressive given his top 6 time and PP time. Ward can get 15 goals in a checking role with limited second team PP duty.

Fawning over the Blues? They are missing 3 of their top 6 D (Polak is a shutdown D, and Jackman and concussed Colaiacovo are in their top 4) and Perron, and haven’t missed a beat.
Nothing noteworthy about their collective replacements (Oystrick, Nikitin, and Strachan) . Though Strachan caused Toots gloves to be glued on late in the 3rd period of a 2-0 game.
But I think that’s more Tootoo than Iron Tyson Strachan.

By comparison, we fall apart with injury. Though the shoddy goalkeeping doesn’t help.

I don’t think the Blues being solid should surprise anybody. They have a bunch of Colin Wilsons that are further ahead in their development, and starting to realize promise. One of the best second half teams the past two years. Totally different than the club that couldn’t win at home in the first half of last year.

The Blues-Preds next game should be fun, with the Toots ‘sucker’ and Colaiacovo incidents recently.

by DontfeedtheBelak on Nov 9, 2010 11:44 AM EST up reply actions

erat

just because a player is on the top 6 doesn’t mean they should score, or have the ability to score, a minimum of 30 goals. Because Erat will score more goals than most of the other players on the roster he gets those minutes.
While struggling with offense lately we NEED erat to come back and help out.

"It's gonna be fun on the bun."

by flyalder on Nov 9, 2010 1:06 PM EST up reply actions

Last two years

Erat:
2010: 17:59 TOI/game, including 2:46 PP time/game, 21 goals
2009: 18:33 TOI/game, including 3:22 PP time/game, 17 goals.
Most even strength time with top 6 guys and most PP time with first team, in ~73 games a year.
I
JWard
2010: 17:32 TOI/game, including 1:06 PP time/game, 13 goals
2009: 16:00 TOI/game, including 1:11 PP time/game, 17 goals
Most even strength time with checkers and most PP time with second team, in ~75 games a year.

Erat is more talented but where is the support for the idea that he gets more mileage out of his top 6/first PP time with Hornquist, Sullivan, etc.?

The PP sucks. Erat is one of the mainstays of the first team PP. Maybe he doesn’t deserve to be. Our top 6 sucks. Erat. Mainstay. Deserving?

by DontfeedtheBelak on Nov 9, 2010 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

Ryan Suter and Martin Erat both practiced this morning, per Dirk and Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean.

by Chris Burton on Nov 9, 2010 12:32 PM EST reply actions

buuuuuuuut

per Seth, were in red non-contact jerseys and only participated in a portion of the drills.

by Chris Burton on Nov 9, 2010 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

does that mean they won’t play this week? maybe next week?

"It's gonna be fun on the bun."

by flyalder on Nov 9, 2010 1:07 PM EST up reply actions

It's the first step back...

Red non-contact jerseys are the first step back for a player. They will see how each responds and we’ll see whether or not they’re more intrigated into tomorrow’s practice.

I’d say Suter is likely doubtful for Thursday and targeting Saturday, but I have no idea with Erat. I’d probably list him as questionable for Thursday, but we’ll know more tomorrow.

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by Seth Lake on Nov 9, 2010 2:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Why was Erat out anyway ?

I don’ t think I ever heard ….

by XVIII on Nov 9, 2010 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

Back spasms

They’ve bothered him since training camp.

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by Dirk Hoag on Nov 9, 2010 3:45 PM EST up reply actions