Report: Injury could devastate Preds

Could the team that's been healthy all postseason finally face some adversity?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Injury could devastate Preds
Keystone Press

It’s no coincidence that the momentum in last night’s Western Conference Final game between the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks swung in the Ducks favor once Preds captain Mike Fisher left the game with an injury. Fisher has long been a vocal leader on the Preds team and the voice of reason on the bench and in the locker room. His absence cannot be overstated.

The injury in question occurred when Ducks defenseman Josh Manson attempted to volley over top of Fisher in an effort to swat away a soaring puck high above everyone’s heads in front of the Ducks net. While Manson was successful, he also made contact on Fisher’s head with his knee and sent Fisher to the ice. Visibly shaken, Fisher was cut above the eye and did not return. The Ducks, of course, won the game 3-2 later on in overtime.

If Fisher cannot play game 5, the Preds simply will not have a replacement for him. He’s their leader on and off the ice, a critical penalty killer and the team’s number one face-off ace. While he has somehow remained without a goal or an assist throughout the playoffs, he’s contributed with strong defensive play and a ‘lead by example’ attitude that empowers his entire team to sacrifice in the name of teamwork.

Head coach Peter Laviolette has not yet commented on Fisher’s status for the pivotal game 5 matchup, but you can be sure that Preds fans are holding their breath in anticipation.