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Predators will not have Radulov for Game Three

Apr 16, 2007 - 1:34 PM Nashville at San Jose 10:00 pm EDT Western Conference quarterfinals, Series tied, 1-1

SAN JOSE, California (Ticker) -- The Nashville Predators will try and get the upper hand in their Western Conference quarterfinal series against the San Jose Sharks without one of their best players.

Alexander Radulov will miss Game Three in San Jose after being suspended for checking Sharks left wing Steve Bernier from behind in Game Two on Friday.

After scoring two goals in Nashville's 5-4 double-overtime loss in Game One, Radulov registered a goal and an assist in the first period of the Predators' 5-2 victory on Friday.

However, the 20-year-old right wing drilled Bernier into the boards at 4:44 of the second session, drawing a five-minute major and game misconduct. Bernier's status for Game Three is uncertain.

San Jose's Jonathan Cheechoo left the series opener in the second period after a knee-to-knee hit by Scott Hartnell.

Cheechoo returned for Game Two and, once the game was out of reach, his teammates retaliated against Hartnell.

Emotions erupted after Peter Forsberg's second goal of the game at 18:55 of the third period increased Nashville's lead to 5-2. A pair of Sharks attacked Hartnell immediately following the ensuing faceoff, sparking a series of fights.

Nashville's J.P. Dumont scored on the power play and shorthanded during the Game Two victory. Tomas Vokoun made 22 saves for the Predators, who split two games in San Jose during the regular season.