Friday, January 6, 2012

Predators Shuffle Players, Blum and Lindback to Milwaukee, Jeremy Smith to Nashville

In an effort to provide more playing time for Anders Lindback and Jon Blum, the Nashville Predators sent the pair to Milwaukee and recalled Goaltender Jeremy Smith to back up Pekka Rinne for Saturday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Lindback has seen little action recently and Milwaukee plays three games this weekend which will provide ample opportunity for Lindback to get in a couple of starts.

It is interesting that the Preds made the choice to send Blum down instead of rookie Ryan Ellis who was the most recent defensive recall.

Make the jump for the full release from the Predators...

PREDATORS RECALL GOALTENDER JEREMY SMITH
- Lindback & Blum assigned to Milwaukee -

Nashville, Tenn. (January 6, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has assigned rookie goaltender Anders Lindback (AHN-dehrs LIND-bahck) and defenseman Jonathon Blum to Milwaukee (AHL) and recalled goaltender Jeremy Smith from the Admirals. This is Smith’s first career recall.

Smith, 22 (4/13/89), has yet to appear in an NHL game. The Deaborn, Mich., native leads the American Hockey League in wins (16), while ranking second in appearances (25) and minutes (1,461), and tied for eighth in goals-against average (2.30). Nashville's second choice, 54th overall (second round), in the 2007 Entry Draft is in his third professional season after playing from 2005-09 with Plymouth and Niagara of the Ontario Hockey League.

Lindback, 23 (5/3/88), has gone 2-4-0 with a 2.75 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage in eight appearances for the Predators this season. His only experience at the AHL level came last season when he went 2-2-0 with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in four starts from Feb. 22-26.

Blum, 22 (1/30/89), has seven points (3g-4a) in 33 NHL games with Nashville and two goals in three games at the AHL level with Milwaukee in 2011-12.

With seven consecutive sellouts under their belt, a franchise record achieved last night vs. Dallas, the Preds look to make it eight when the Carolina Hurricanes come knocking on Saturday (7 p.m., 102.5 The Game) for an inter-conference matchup. Tickets are still available and may be purchased by calling 615-770-PUCK (7825) or by visiting nashvillepredators.com.

More later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

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