I have a post that I'm working on that will provide additional recapiness from last night's loss to Chicago. There is a discussion about Nolan Yonkman, and about what really stood out for Lane Lambert about the loss, as well as some more great photo work from Chris Jerina. But that post has to be put on hold for a minute.
I've spent the last 24 hours completely befuddled. I've been saying on these very webpages that I expect Nashville to recall another Admirals player for tonight's game against Anaheim. At this hour, it appears that I am wrong. Now - I don't mind being wrong. I don't like it...but it happens on occassion. This case, however, defies all logic to me.
The Nashville Predators have 6 defensemen and 12 forwards with them in California. That's it. 18 skaters. What happens if one of those skaters suddenly becomes unavailable? The game is still 10 hours away (at the time I am writing this). A LOT can happen in 10 hours.
For instance:
-
October, 2008: Manny Legace suffers a hip injury while stepping on the red carpet placed on the ice for Sarah Palin.
-
March 1993: Brian Leetch breaks his ankle while stepping out of a cab, as did former Rangers Captain Jean Ratelle in 1972
-
April 2007: Brent Sopel throws out his back picking up a cracker from the floor
-
October 2005: Wade Belak misses the season opener after he is bitten by a spider
-
February 1999: Rich Parent is hit by an Al MacInnis slapshot in pregame warmups, suffering a "serious testicular injury."
Freak accidents happen. I believe it is irresponsible of David Poile to allow the Predators to walk into the Honda Center with only 18 skaters. The Predators finished ONE WIN behind Columbus last season - and missed the playoffs. Wouldn't it be a shame to basically give up the chance at a win by only skating 17 players against Anaheim? Especially given the fact that it is completely unneccessary?
The Milwaukee Admirals exist to provide the Predators with players. Why not use them when needed? Tell Peter Olvecky to get on a plane. "Sorry, buddy - you're not gonna play...but we need you here just in case."
Adding to my outrage today is that I am the only person that seems to think this is a problem. I asked several people in the Admirals organization last night if they thought another recall was coming. They all seemed genuinely surprised that I would even bring it up.
The foks we talk to in Nashville on a regular basis don't seem to think there's much of a problem here, either. The beat writers at the Tennessean haven't even mentioned it. (They've mentioned the injuries...but not the tenuous position it puts the roster in).
You can feel free to disagree, too. What I would really like to know, though, is WHY NOT? Why not call somone up for the day? Are the Predators really that concerned about paying someone NHL money for ONE day? If so, why not recall Ryan Jones? He's making NHL money regardless, due to his one-way contract.
I hope this becomes a moot point. I hope all is well, and all 18 skaters are healthy. But if something happens - and there's a late scratch - I am going to hire a sky-writer to scrawl "I Told You So" above the Preds corporate officers.
Anyone wanna chip in?