A team meeting was not originally planned for the Predators on Wednesday.
When they jumped out to a 4-1 lead over the Maple Leafs on Tuesday in Toronto, it was probably the furthest thing from Nashville's mind.
But after committing six straight penalties and allowing four power-play goals in their 5-4 loss, the Predators had no choice but to air their grievances. Coach Barry Trotz called the session "lengthy" and said the meeting was an important step forward.
"The only difference we'll see is how we play tomorrow (against Montreal)," Trotz said. "That is the litmus."
As tough as Tuesday's loss was for the Predators, they hope to find some positives moving forward, beginning with today's game at Montreal.
"We have a good team when we're all playing together and all doing what we need to be doing," defenseman Shea Weber said. "I think this will be a good thing, and hopefully everybody is back pushing in the right direction."
Kostitsyn returns: Forward Sergei Kostitsyn isn't really worried about the reception he will receive in Montreal tonight.
Kostitsyn played three seasons with the Canadiens. He was suspended at the start of last season, and was ordered off the ice at practice during Montreal's 2010 playoff series with Pittsburgh.
Instead, Kostitsyn is focused on seeing his brother Andre, a Canadiens forward. Andre has 14 points in 18 games.
"I've watched a couple of games. He is doing very good, and their line is playing pretty well," Sergei said.
The two have never played against each other professionally, but that doesn't bother Sergei. He understands the main goal of today's game.
"It's more important to get two points in Montreal and that's it," he said.
When they jumped out to a 4-1 lead over the Maple Leafs on Tuesday in Toronto, it was probably the furthest thing from Nashville's mind.
But after committing six straight penalties and allowing four power-play goals in their 5-4 loss, the Predators had no choice but to air their grievances. Coach Barry Trotz called the session "lengthy" and said the meeting was an important step forward.
"The only difference we'll see is how we play tomorrow (against Montreal)," Trotz said. "That is the litmus."
As tough as Tuesday's loss was for the Predators, they hope to find some positives moving forward, beginning with today's game at Montreal.
"We have a good team when we're all playing together and all doing what we need to be doing," defenseman Shea Weber said. "I think this will be a good thing, and hopefully everybody is back pushing in the right direction."
Kostitsyn returns: Forward Sergei Kostitsyn isn't really worried about the reception he will receive in Montreal tonight.
Kostitsyn played three seasons with the Canadiens. He was suspended at the start of last season, and was ordered off the ice at practice during Montreal's 2010 playoff series with Pittsburgh.
Instead, Kostitsyn is focused on seeing his brother Andre, a Canadiens forward. Andre has 14 points in 18 games.
"I've watched a couple of games. He is doing very good, and their line is playing pretty well," Sergei said.
The two have never played against each other professionally, but that doesn't bother Sergei. He understands the main goal of today's game.
"It's more important to get two points in Montreal and that's it," he said.
