Just across the wire comes word that Greg de Vries has been put on IR and Alexander Sulzer has been re-called from Milwaukee to fill out the roster until Greg returns. Here is the official release:
"Nashville, Tenn. (January 14, 2009) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled defenseman Alexander Sulzer from the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League. To make room on the 23-man roster for him, defenseman Greg de Vries was placed on the injured reserve list retroactive to Jan. 6.
Sulzer, 24 (5/30/84), ranks third among AHL defensemen in both points (29) and assists (22). He is also third on the Admirals in both categories, in addition to being second on the club in power-play goals (4). Through 39 games, the Kaufbeuren, Germany native has already matched his goal total (7), and is just three points shy of his 61-game performance from 2007-08, his first season in North America. During the month of December 2008, the 6-1, 196-pound blueliner reached the scoresheet in 12 of 14 games, totaling 18 points (6g-12a) in that span, and helping Milwaukee to 12 wins, its most during a month in franchise history. He has yet to appear in an NHL contest, and will become the first German-born player to suit up for the Predators when he makes his debut."
So Pred fans may get a chance to see Sulzer in person at the NHL level for the first time this week. Considering he recently signed a 2 year deal that is one-way starting next season this is a good chance for him to get his feet wet.
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The Nashville Predators took care of their business in the 3rd period last night. A power play goal from Radek Bonk and a sniping wrister from David Legwand provided all that Nashville would need as they took down the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0 at the Air Canada Center.
The first 2 periods were pretty much a snooze. Both teams had a couple of quality scoring chances per period and the Preds took a few too many penalties, but the Preds entered another 3rd period tied at 0. I'll have to go back and look, but I feel like that is the 4th or 5th time the Preds have done that this season.
In the 3rd period the Preds really controlled the play. The Leafs only managed 4 shots on Pekka Rinne, and the Preds used an early man advantage to take the lead.
Steve Sullivan found his way back on the score sheet in just his second game back in two years. While on the man advantage Sully wheeled around the left point, dropped into the slot and fired off a quick wrister that deflected off Radek Bonk and in. At first the goal was awarded to Steve Sullivan, but further review did indeed note that while Bonk was attempting to screen the Maple Leafs goalie Vesa Toskala, his body helped guide the puck into the net. Still, the result of this was caused by a great play from Sully. This was the second game in a row we saw him pull off a nice move in tight spaces while on the power play. If Sullivan can help raise this team's power play % to 20%, then I call his return very successful. It should also be noted that Steve took his first real hit towards the very beginning of the game. The young Leafs D-man Luke Schenn essentially ran over Sullivan, but to everyone's relief he popped right back up and carried on. From what Steve had to say in the post-game on FS TN it sounds like he might be a little more care free out there and more confident to play the game like he used to. Now that will be good to see.
David Legwand continues to ride a hot streak on offense. His goal to put things away came on a 2 on 1 with Sullivan. He used a little fake pass to Sully and then wired the puck high stick side on Toskala. The puck struck the iron for all to hear as it found it's home in the back of the net. Legwand now has 4 goals and 2 assists for a total of 6 points in the last 4 games.
Pekka Rinne earned himself another shutout by stopping all 17 Toronto shots. Expect to see Rinne in net vs Montreal as he makes things even tougher on Dan Ellis. As stated elsewhere, Dan has played well, but hasn't gotten wins due to the team in front of him not scoring. As I mentioned after last game, Ellis has 7 games in which he allowed 2 goals or less, and still got the L. Pekka played brilliantly last night, allowing very few rebound, and making a couple of spectacular stops. Maybe the best save of the night occurred as the 1st period horn went off. The Leafs found a way to slip a puck through traffic and high, forcing Rinne to dive and get a piece of the puck with his glove to make the save. This was Rinne's 4th shutout of the season.
My Three Stars:
1. Radek Bonk - 1 goal, 2 hits, 1 takeaway, and won 11 of his 12 faceoffs.
2. Pekka Rinne - 17 saves on all 17 Toronto shots.
3. Steve Sullivan - 1 assist, a +1 rating, 1 shot on goal, and returned to the score sheet for the first time in 2 years.
The reason I stated "what a novel idea" in my headline is because this is the first road win for the Preds since Dec. 1st when the Preds took down the Sabres 3-0. Apparently this team needs a shutout to win on the road lately. Hopefully that is not truly the case since it is unlikely, although not impossible, that the Montreal Canadiens will not light the lamp at least once tomorrow. It could happen though if the team focuses on those pesky Vinny Lecavalier rumors too much. Game time in Montreal will be 6:30 pm CST and this one can be seen on FS TN.
Things are looking up for the Preds if they can just get Arnott back in the lineup, continue to produce 2 or more goals a game, and keep doing what they've been doing on D and in net. They get those pieces all together, and we have ourselves a competitive hockey team that can win any given game.
Till next time, take care.
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