OTF Classic

The 20-game suspension to Steve Downie was supposed to send a message to the NHL about reckless hits. As we saw yesterday with Jesse Boulerice, however, head shots are still in vogue among the league's marginal thugs. Tonight, Phoenix's Craig Weller put his name up for consideration by the league office for suspension after clotheslining Predators agitator Jordin Tootoo in the 3rd period. With the Coyotes up 4-2 in the 3rd, Tootoo took a run at Daniel Winnik as he came around the Nashville net with his head down. It was a legal play (didn't leave his feet, led with his shoulder), and Tootoo pretty much whiffed on the hit anyway. The puck came up the boards to Weller, and as Tootoo came up the ice Weller just slung his right arm around Tootoo's neck, slamming him down to the ice. Weller then tossed his gloves aside as if he was ready to scrap, but Tootoo was still down and Martin Gelinas tied him up (and got a mysterious roughing call for his efforts). What kind of ...

The Predators come home to face the Phoenix Coyotes tonight at the Sommet Center, and need to get back on track (not " untracked ") after last night's 4-1 drubbing by the St. Louis Blues. Nashville is fortunate to also catch the Coyotes playing on back-to-back nights, as they come in from Columbus after having been beaten 3-0 by the Blue Jackets (recap to be found at Army of the Ohio ). The Phoenix Coyotes have scored just 4 goals in 3 games so far. Some bite-size facts: Phoenix captain Shane Doan turned 31 yesterday (hence the spanking by Columbus). The Coyotes have a triumverate of goaltenders they're sorting through, so the Preds won't see David Aebischer, who played Wednesday against the Blue Jackets. According to the Arizona Republic , Auld gets the nod tonight. If this game goes to the shootout, here are some relevant goaltending numbers. For total save percentages in the shootout (covering both 2005-6 and 2006-7), Auld sports a woeful .567 for Phoenix, wh...