Coyotes at Predators
THE STORY: Being down 2-0 in their best-of-seven series with the Phoenix Coyotes isn't the only thing that has the Nashville Predators concerned. Two of their top forwards have been suspended for violating team rules as the series shifts to Music City for Game 3 Wednesday night. Andrei Kostitsyn and Alexander Radulov will watch from the press box after reportedly being spotted at 4 a.m. the morning before Game 2 in Glendale, Ariz.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, CNBC, TSN
ABOUT THE COYOTES: While Nashville deals with unwanted distractions, Phoenix - a team used to addressing off-ice issues - has been all business in winning the opening two games of the series. Yet, despite the sizeable lead, head coach Dave Tippett is approaching Game 3 with caution. ''We realize that Nashville is going to come out and play probably their best game of the series in Game 3, probably out of desperation, and we have to make sure our game is where it needs to be to give us the best chance to win,'' he said.
ABOUT THE PREDATORS: Nashville general manager David Poile would not confirm why the two players were being banned, but called their actions unfortunate and selfish. ''I hope there is some remorse for what they did,'' he said. ''Time will tell with their behavior and if they get the opportunity to get back into the lineup.'' Radulov, who rejoined Nashville following a lengthy stint in the KHL, was singled out by NBC analyst Keith Jones during the Game 2 loss. Jones ripped Radulov repeatedly for appearing lazy on offense and completely disinterested on defense.
OVERTIME:
1. Options for replacing Kostitsyn and Radulov include Matt Halischuk, Jordin Tootoo and Craig Smith. Only Smith has suited up in this series.
2. The Coyotes have won their last three visits to Nashville, including both this season.
3. Radulov is the Predators' leading playoff scorer with a goal and five assists in seven games. Kostitsyn has three goals and an assist.