Final
Predators set to debut Fisher against sliding Avalanche
Feb 12, 2011 - 4:01 PM (Sports Network) - While the Predators have picked up two big victories over a division leader in the last three weeks, the problem is that they have been the only two victories in that span.Winning at all has been a major problem for the Avalanche.
Nashville will hope to get a spark from recently-acquired Mike Fisher in his debut tonight and deal Peter Forsberg and Colorado a seventh straight setback this evening at Bridgestone Arena.
The Predators have won just twice in their last seven games, but both victories have come against the Central Division-leading Red Wings to pull within seven points of first place. Nashville's most recent contest came on Wednesday, a 4-1 win at Detroit.
Pekka Rinne made 34 saves and the Preds got goals from four different skaters, including Martin Erat, David Legwand, Colin Wilson and Sergei Kostitsyn. However, Marcel Goc suffered an upper-body injury in the triumph and is questionable for tonight.
Nashville, which is tied for sixth overall in the Western Conference, is now 3-1 versus Detroit this season.
"We gotta catch those guys, that's our [motivation] here in the locker room," said Nashville forward Patric Hornqvist.
The Predators bettered their odds on Thursday, acquiring Fisher from the struggling Senators for their 2011 first-round draft pick as well as a conditional pick in 2012.
The 30-year-old Fisher was tied for Ottawa's team lead with 14 goals and ranked third in points with 24 through 55 games.
"We were seeking a top-six forward and Mike Fisher was the player we set our sights on," Nashville general manager David Poile said. "He plays playoff- style hockey all season long. He plays on the power play, kills penalties, is strong on draws and can match up against any opposing line."
Fisher will debut in the start of a four-game homestand and Nashville's second contest this season versus Colorado. The Preds notched a 5-1 victory in Denver back on Jan. 20 and have won four of the last five meetings as well as two straight and eight of the previous 11 in the Music City.
Rinne is 4-3-0 with a 2.56 goals-against average lifetime against the Avs.
While the Predators are hoping to get a lift from Fisher, the Avalanche could not take advantage of Forsberg's season debut last night. The 37-year-old skated in the NHL for the first time since the 2008 playoffs, but Colorado dropped a 3-1 decision to Columbus.
Forsberg decided on Sunday to rejoin the Avalanche, but visa issues held up his delay after he battled foot problems over the past few years. He notched one shot in over 17 minutes of ice time while skating on a line with Matt Duchene and Milan Hejduk.
"Actually [Forsberg] played better than I expected him to. He was arguably our best player tonight," said Colorado head coach Joe Sacco. "He kept his shifts short. He had good energy for the most part. He was playing well.
"I think it's a real big step for Peter, certainly in the right direction. It doesn't hide the fact that we still lost the game. I thought he was real good tonight."
While Forsberg returned, Colorado was without injured players Adam Foote (leg), T.J. Galiardi (wrist) and Kyle Cumiskey (head).
Peter Budaj stopped 29 shots for the Avalanche, who are on their longest losing streak since dropping eight straight from March 15-April 1, 2009. They have also lost eight of their last nine to fall to 14th in the West and eight points back of a playoff spot.
Philippe Dupuis had the lone goal, just Colorado's third in its last four contests, to snap a 28-game goal drought.
With Craig Anderson having returned to Denver for personal reasons, Budaj could start tonight's finale of a four-game road trip. He is 6-3-0 with a 2.18 GAA versus Nashville.
- COLORADO: 3
NASHVILLE: 5
Final
Feb 12 10:29 PM - Nashville Empty Net Goal - David Legwand (9), at 19:14.
Avalanche 3, Predators 5 3rd - 0:46Feb 12 10:27 PM - Nashville Goal - Patric Hornqvist (17), from David Legwand at 4:11.
Avalanche 3, Predators 3 3rd - 15:49Feb 12 9:59 PM - COLORADO: 2
NASHVILLE: 2
End of 2nd
Feb 12 9:36 PM - COLORADO: 1
NASHVILLE: 1
End of 1st
Feb 12 8:40 PM - COLORADO: 0
NASHVILLE: 0
1st Period - 20:00
Feb 12 8:08 PM
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