Predators suspend pair of forwards prior to pivotal Game 3

The Phoenix Coyotes’ chances of beating the Nashville
Predators in Wednesday’s pivotal Game 3 got a little
better.

According to The
Tennessean, the Predators have suspended forwards
Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn for Wednesday’s
tilt.

“The Nashville Predators have a few simple rules centered
around doing the right things,” General Manager David
Poile said in a statement released by the team. “We have
always operated with a team-first mentality and
philosophy. Violating team rules is not fair to our team
and their teammates.”

Poile would not add details to why the players were
suspended, but reports are surfacing that the two were out
late in Scottsdale prior to Game 2, which was a 5-3
Coyotes win.

Radulov and
AKostitsyn were spotted in Scottsdale at 4am on the eve of
Game 2. Suspended for Game 3 by club.

— John
Shannon (@JSportsnet) May 1,
2012

Kostitsyn has recorded a goal in both games, whereas
Radulov has just one point in the series so far, a power
play assist he earned in Game 2.

The series shifts to Nashville with the Coyotes leading 2-
0, so the suspensions clearly come at a bad time for the
Predators.

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