Predators Team Report

INSIDE SHOTS

The Predators probably will be playing without right wing Martin Erat(notes), who has scored 10 goals in December, and defenseman Kevin Klein(notes) when they end their road trip on New Year’s Eve in Columbus.

Both left during the first period of the win over St. Louis on Tuesday. The status of the injuries was unknown.

But the Predators have always had a team philosophy and have played without key players before this season.

The Blues played an extremely physical game against the Predators, and they can expect more of the same from the Blue Jackets. The teams have a distinct dislike for each other and the Predators will have to play a disciplined game to win.

Coach Barry Trotz is more pleased with the energy he is seeing on the ice. But some of the Predators players are still struggling with the philosophies of having a quick release on shots and taking shots when they are available.

Predators 4, Blues 3:   The Predators ended a three-game losing streak in St. Louis, but the third period was a struggle once again.

When J.P. Dumont(notes) scored the Predators’ fourth goal of the game in the third, he had no idea that it would prove to be the game-winner.

The Predators have to do a better job of controlling the third period. After holding the Blues defensively for 40 minutes, the Predators allowed them to go on a shooting frenzy in the third.

Dumont had a goal and an assist, and defensemen Shea Weber(notes) took advantage of the Blues’ defensive alignments to earn three assists.

NOTES, QUOTES

• C Dave Scatchard(notes) and D Alexander Sulzer(notes) have both been reassigned to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League. Both might be recalled before the Columbus game.

• The Predators scored in all three periods of a game for the sixth time in their last eight games. They have scored at least one goal in 22 of their last 26 regulation periods.

The Predators have scored in the first period in 18 of their last 23 games and 11 of the last 14.

• The Predators have scored four or more goals 14 times in the last 22 games, including shootout winners.

Quote To Note:   “Everybody is so equal now. We get into battles each game. You can’t take any team for granted. This was a huge two points for us.”—Captain Jason Arnott(notes).

ROSTER REPORT

Goaltenders:   Pekka Rinne(notes), Dan Ellis(notes).

Defensemen:   Shea Weber, Ryan Suter(notes), Dan Hamhuis(notes), Francis Boullion, Cody Franson(notes), Kevin Klein.

First Line:   Steve Sullivan(notes), Jason Arnott, Martin Erat.

Second Line:   Joel Ward(notes), David Legwand(notes), Andreas Thuresson(notes).

Third Line:   Patric Hornqvist(notes), Marcel Goc(notes), J.P. Dumont.

Fourth Line:   Ryan Jones(notes), Nick Spaling(notes), Wade Belak(notes).

Player Notes:  

• LW Joel Ward scored a goal, giving him seven points (two goals, five assists) in his last seven games. The Predators are 14-0-0 this season when Ward earns a point.

• C Marcel Goc scored his eighth goal of the season, tying his career record for goals in a season set as a rookie with San Jose in 81 games in 2005-2006.

Goc is expected to be named to the German Olympic Team this week. He has scored goals in his last two games and has nine points (four goals, five assists) in six of his last seven games. He has 12 points (six goals, six assists) in his last 14 games.

• C Jason Arnott has 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in his 20 games played.

Medical Watch:  

• RW Martin Erat left the St. Louis game in the first period and did not return. His status is not known.

• D Kevin Klein left the St. Louis game in the first period with what has been classified as an upper body injury.

• RW Jordin Tootoo(notes) is on injured reserve with a broken foot.

• C Jerred Smithson(notes) is on injured reserve with a hand injury.