• Recap
• Bleachers

Abid's hat trick helps Predators roll over Blue Jackets

Sep 22, 2006 - 3:21 AM MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Ramzi Abid is looking for a permanent home. He may have found one with the Nashville Predators.

Abid recorded a hat trick and Scott Nichol added three assists as the Predators cruised to an 8-1 preseason victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at the FedEx Forum.

A third-round pick of Phoenix in 2000, Abid has appeared in games with the Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins and Atlanta Thrashers over the last three seasons, failing to make his mark with any of the clubs.

Making his debut with the Predators after signing an one-year deal over the summer, the 26-year-old Montreal native made an impact Thursday, scoring once in the first period and twice in the final session.

Nichol set up two of Abid's tallies and also assisted on defenseman Kimmo Timonen's first-period goal.

Alexander Radulov, the 15th overall selection in the 2004 draft, had a goal and an assist while J.P. Dumont and Shane Endicott each set up a pair of tallies for the Predators, who rested top forwards Paul Kariya, Jason Arnott and Steve Sullivan.

Tomas Vokoun went the distance in goal for Nashville, making 22 saves.

Chosen six spots before Radulov in 2004, Alexandre Picard netted the lone tally for the Blue Jackets, who played without young star Rick Nash.

Fredrik Norrena and Tomas Popperle each allowed four goals for Columbus.