Friday's notes: Nashville's injury ward needs a revolving door

by Dirk Hoag on Sep 23, 2011 7:52 AM EDT in Nashville Predators News

As the Preds prepare for a pre-season tilt at Carolina tonight (more on that later), it seems like injury status is the hot-button item of the day. We have some guys returning to action, other guys out for a few weeks, and others looking to step up and prove their worth while filling in.

That, and a whole lot more after the jump...

Forechecker's Fantasy Hockey System ebook now available! | Hockey Gear HQ
Just in time for all of you eager Fantasy Hockey managers, I’ve compiled a free ebook to share my experience from years of playing fantasy sports, and the system I’ve developed over time that helps me draft a competitive team that is specifically tailored to the scoring categories used in that particular league. Until Opening Night, it's also where you'll find my offensive projections for the Nashville Predators.

Nashville Predators News

Smashville 24/7: A great opportunity at hand for fringe players
As always in pro sports, an injury to one guy opens an opportunity for another.

Smashville 24/7: Spaling likely to play Saturday; Trotz assesses defense
After missing time with a pulled groin, Nick Spaling looks set to face the Jets tomorrow.

Preds On The Glass: Can Sergei Kostitsyn Improve on His Break Out Season?
My answer is "don't bet on it". It's very unusual for a guy to make a sudden increase in his shooting frequency.

Players Admit to Playing as Their Virtual Counterparts | PuckScene.com
And no... we're not talking about Second Life here. It sounds like hockey players either go with NHL12 or Call of Duty.

Sky’s the limit for award-laden Nashville blue line prospect Ryan Ellis | Hockey Independent
Have you heard about this Ryan Ellis kid? It sounds like he's got quite a future.

The Invited | Admirals Roundtable
Ryan profiles a few of the guys being invited to next week's Milwaukee Admirals training camp (besides the ones here in Nashville right now).

O'Reilly looks to break from ranks of injured Predators centers | Nashville City Paper
Last season was a meat grinder at the center position, and Cal O`Reilly is ready for a full campaign.

Nashville Predators' Jordin Tootoo gets past substance abuse problems - The Tennessean
Is this the year that Toots delivers on his potential as a complete hockey player? The possibilities are tantalizing.

Trotz dances and other notes - Predators Insider
I'm guessing this is the first time the Tennessean has had an article tagged with both "Barry Trotz" and "50 Cent".

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Wayne Simmonds Taunted With Bananas During Philadelphia Flyers Game - SBNation.com
Un-Freaking-Real.

Bigotry as a Response to Racism: Yes, It's about Lambert - Winging It In Motown
Reason #2,914 that I don't bother linking to any of Ryan Lambert's work at Puck Daddy.

Pre-season game 2: Pens 4, Blackhawks 1...Jordan Staal powers a 20 minute effort - PensBurgh
Lots of big names were missing from this one, but Pens fans are keeping an eye on "Matt Cooke 2.0".

Stars' thoughts on 5-2 preseason win over Colorado - The Dallas Morning News
Good 'ole Vern Fiddler dominated the dot in this one, winning 11 of 14 faceoffs.

Canucks and Oilers Recap - Hard Work, Hard Game - Nucks Misconduct
It was Fossil Night for Vancouver, with Owen Nolan and Manny Legace suiting up for the Canucks.

Hockey wives coming to aid of Lokomotiv victims - NHL.com
Several hockey wives (including Erica Lundmark, married to short-time former Predator Jamie Lundmark) are raising funds for the families of those lost in this month's plane crash.

Camp Tour: Realistic expectations for Souray - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
He isn't the big bomber of 5 or 10 years ago, but Dallas can certainly use Sheldon Souray on their blueline.

Spector on Canucks: Hordichuk's expertise - sportsnet.ca
Darcy Hordichuk sells himself as the missing piece that cost the Canucks their chance in the Finals.

P.J. Stock has second thoughts on Belak comments - The Globe and Mail
While P.J. Stock backtracked, Wade's mother said something very similar recently to the Toronto Star.

And once again, here's the budding video star of the NHL, Brendan Shanahan, dropping the hammer on Jody Shelley:

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Comments

Shanny was my favorite player

back when he joined the Wings. Obviously, he was a player I truly hated starting in 98’. :) Looks like he will be pretty awesome in his position. The video is a great move by him and the NHL. I hope they keep that up.

by Marcus Newman on Sep 23, 2011 8:55 AM EDT reply actions

Is this retroactive?

Because I think the Preds’ have about thirty videos with egregious hits just like this that resulted in nothing! Haha!

But seriously, if they do this for every major infraction and injury causing play, then certainly the players will be forced to clean up their act… Right?

by dnorm4 on Sep 23, 2011 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions

there’s some truth to that. Can’t deny it. :) ..and to be clear, I love a really good hit more than anything else in the game (except maybe watching Perry leave our ice on the losing end of a series).

…but the NHL has just recently really started to tackle the blindside hit/concussion outcome issue. I think this is a good move to try and really clarify what is a dirty play. At some point, like you basically said, there will be no excuse.

by Marcus Newman on Sep 23, 2011 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Also, Ryan Ellis

I know everyone would like to see him light up the score-sheet in the preseason, myself included. If he doesn’t though, which is entirely probably given his lack of experience at the pro level and the position he plays, please don’t take it too hard. If you watch the kid in practice you can see what he has that makes him so special. It’s his shot. Can you say, “off the post and in?” :) Seriously, I don’t ever remember seeing a Predator that can shoot from the point like he can. Kimmo would probably be his closest competition.

by Marcus Newman on Sep 23, 2011 9:05 AM EDT reply actions

I too think of Kimmo. Ellis seemed to show he is ready to play physically at the NHL level. At least in Tuesday’s game.

by predwheels on Sep 23, 2011 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions

I think he will get there for sure but I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see him spend time in Milwaukee just because we have so many guys that are ready for their proverbial “shot” at the lineup.

by Marcus Newman on Sep 23, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions

With the Josi injury, it’s pretty much Ellis vs. Ekholm now.

Laakso + rookie will be the 3rd pairing. 7th d will be Sloan or Hillen so that one of the rookies can get playing time in Milwaukee. Pretty sure that’s why Sloan and Hillen were brought in.

by Patten on Sep 23, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

I still think Josi makes the opening lineup if he is healthy. He seems to be on the top of the heap right now with his performance last year for the Ads. Definitely Laasko after that. This is his make it or break it year.

I’m thinking the same on Hillen. I can see him earning a spot though if he can produce some points in a limited roll. If he is any good on the PK he might even get time in the 5/6 pair.

Sloan has to be more of a depth signing for Milwaukee. I just can’t picture him cracking this lineup unless we have some serious injury issues.

by Marcus Newman on Sep 23, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Wouldn’t surprise me to see Hillen/Laasko as the 3rd pair with Ekholm in the press box in Columbus and StL. Then a rotation of Josi/Hillen/Laasko starting on the 13th.

Is it Josi or Ekholm who has the clause in his contract to go back to Europe if he doesn’t make the Preds?

by wrandsw on Sep 23, 2011 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Ekholm

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by Dirk Hoag on Sep 23, 2011 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Trotz already said that the longer Josi’s out, the less his chance is to make the squad.

by Patten on Sep 23, 2011 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I hadn’t heard that. It’s not hard to imagine Ellis or Ekholm passing him by then. Neither is short on talent. Ekholm is not short on anything in the literal sense. That guy could be huge once he on American food full time. He is already bigger than anyone else but Weber. Looks it anyway…

by Marcus Newman on Sep 23, 2011 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

What I liked from that article was that he seems to understand and accept that the Preds may want him to spend a little time in the AHL. I know he won’t necessarily be happy there, but it sounds like he’s got a great professional attitude about it.

by dnorm4 on Sep 23, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Off the post and in

really reminds me of Marek Zidlicky.

#5 of 16 - 2010 On the Forecheck Fantasy Hockey League

by preds4ever on Sep 23, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I miss his offense! …defense, not so much. :)

by Marcus Newman on Sep 23, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

i think of suter when you mention zidlicky. people say suter plays D though, which I am not sure about. i said suter is good, but not elite, which only seems to be my view too.

by predwheels on Sep 23, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I can’t get with you on that one. I think Suter has turned out to be the best player we have ever drafted. To each his own though, plenty of guys to like on this squad.

by Marcus Newman on Sep 23, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Hope you’re wrong about SK74 Dirk. With the bigger paycheck and the coaching staff prodding him to shoot more, I’m putting my money on him having an improvement.

by XVIII on Sep 23, 2011 9:10 AM EDT reply actions

I don’t think he’ll score more goals this year, but I think his point total could certainly increase. Nobody scores on nearly 25% of their shots, but shooting more will keep his goal numbers up. Also, this should keep the defense and goalie honest when he’s in a shooting position, hopefully leaving his teammates in better position to receive one of SK’s awesome passes (which I think is his greatest strength).

by dnorm4 on Sep 23, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions

screw the passes

I want to see rebounds. Shoot shoot shoot. Someone will clean it up.

by RemoWilliams84 on Sep 23, 2011 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions

more for hornquist

by predwheels on Sep 23, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

YESSSSSSSSSSSS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shoot, rebound, dig, scrape, claw…..STUFF IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SCORE……GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If it pops out………..DO IT ALL, AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do this 10 times, each period, MINIMUM !!

by LetUsPrey on Sep 23, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

How great would it be

to see Tootoo put 20 in the net this year! For him to admit he had a problem and voluntarily do something about it is an awesome sign of his character. He’s always been a fan favorite in Nashville, but a breakout season after going through what he went through would elevate his status even more. We’re all pulling for you 22!

by buckeye_jg on Sep 23, 2011 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

I too would love to see Tootoo score more and be the complete player he deserves to be. I also hope that some one has been talking to him and making sure that the events of this summer has not caused any triggers for him and he is being allowed to get any extra attention and help he may need to stay on the sober wagon. he is always in my prayers.

by Wendy H on Sep 23, 2011 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions

He says he’s taking it one day at a time. He’s on the right path.

by Hockey Hillbilly on Sep 23, 2011 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

when is the next preseason game on the radio

60% of the time it works every time

by Creeping Death on Sep 23, 2011 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

http://den-a.plr.liquidcompass.net/player/flash/audio_player.php?id=WCMCFM&uid=24

by buckeye_jg on Sep 23, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

No 6, 10, 16, 20, 33, or 74 tonight according to section303.com

by wrandsw on Sep 23, 2011 1:56 PM EDT reply actions

What number is Smith? I am interested in seeing him play.

by ablairnash on Sep 23, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

by predwheels on Sep 23, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I bet they’ll all be in tomorrow night @ home.

by Marcus Newman on Sep 23, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Also no Peks. In fact Buddy has the full roster up at Preds on the Glass.

R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Part Predator, part Lightning.

by CAustin on Sep 23, 2011 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

the Defense battle tonight will be interesting to watch. Have all the defensive prospects in this one.

Keys to the game: GA<GF

by flyalder on Sep 23, 2011 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Stolen

NO. FORWARDS
56 Taylor Beck
18 Niclas Bergfors
57 Gabriel Bourque
45 Ryan Flynn
24 Matt Halischuk
27 Patric Hornqvist
63 Jani Lajunen
11 David Legwand
17 Chris Mueller
58 Juuso Puustinen
15 Craig Smith
28 Kyle Wilson

NO. DEFENSE
7 Jonathon Blum
42 Mattias Ekholm
49 Ryan Ellis
38 Jack Hillen
8 Kevin Klein
2 Teemu Laakso
89 Tyler Sloan

NO. GOALTENDER
39 Anders Lindback
30 Jeremy Smith

by Marcus Newman on Sep 23, 2011 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I saw “NO. FORWARDS” and thought to myself, that’s true, but kind of harsh. :D

Belarussians play better as a family.......get AK46!

by Grizzledbear on Sep 23, 2011 6:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

They still managed to win though. ;D

by DonBorvio on Sep 23, 2011 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s pre-season, DB, just pre-season. ;p

Besides, my eastern conference team, the Canes, do not look to be a powerhouse this season. Could be a long season for me. :/

Belarussians play better as a family.......get AK46!

by Grizzledbear on Sep 24, 2011 1:38 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Right, but Poni looks pretty damn good – you never know. Buffalo’s my East team, and we’ll see if the “what if Nashville had a big spending owner” question can be answered by looking at what happens there.

But we had only Leggy as really a normal starter, and still won, no Rinne either. Confidence is slowly rising.

by DonBorvio on Sep 24, 2011 4:58 AM EDT up reply actions

HornQ played, didn’t he?

That was only the 2nd pre-season game for the Canes so far, lots of cobwebs to clear out still (and fortunately, Peters will not be the backup goalie this season!). Losing Cole to free agency is a big hole to fill, hopefully Poni can help in that regard. Za Dalpe didn’t play last night, but if he can take over that 2nd line center spot, that’ll be a big help.

Sabres (or Slugs, as they’re called by many Canes fans, LOL!) should be a powerhouse this season. Solid at every position with lots of depth.

Belarussians play better as a family.......get AK46!

by Grizzledbear on Sep 24, 2011 2:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions