Nashville Predators fans can let out a collective sigh of relief based on comments Barry Trotz made to the Tennessean's Bryan Mullen after practice this afternoon:
"I would say we would probably keep him out of (Saturday's) game," Trotz said, referring to the regular season finale against St. Louis. "The early preliminary information, without getting too specific, I think we expect him to be ready for game one."
Nobody wants to see a repeat of previous seasons, which have been marred by late-season injuries which have undermined Nashville's playoff hopes. No matter which opponent the Preds meet in the 1st round, Patric Hornqvist will be a huge factor.
And I promise to save the "how many goals might he score" articles until the off-season next time, to avoid jinxing anybody!