Preds' Yip Helps Bury Former Team: After sitting out as a healthy scratch the previous three games, Brandon Yip returned to the lineup Thursday night and scored his second goal of the season, helping the Preds defeat the Avalanche 4-2. (Updated 03/09/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/27/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Brandon Yip, who was placed on waivers by the Avs in mid-January before the Preds scooped him up, admitted to a certain added incentive in facing his former team. "Yeah, there's a little bit of a salty taste when a team lets you go," Yip said. "There is a business side to it. It's what they wanted to do, but after being there a couple of years and getting released like that, it's good motivation." Yip skated mostly on the Preds' fourth line alongside Paul Gaustad and Gabriel Bourque, and could see increased ice time in the coming weeks if he continues to make the most of his opportunities. Monitor closely. (Updated 03/09/2012).
05/08/2012 11:31 Where do the Predators, Ryan Suter go from here after disappointing exit?
The Nashville Predators were seen as a real Cup contender this season, but after being bounced by the Coyotes in five games, the questions begin about what happens with Ryan Suter and the rest of the roster.
04/30/2012 15:36 A look at the players facing the toughest assignments in playoffs
The Flyers checking line of Sean Couturier, Max Talbot and Eric Wellwood has been getting the toughest assignments of any line in the NHL this postseason. It's creating a lot of opportunities for Danny Briere.
04/28/2012 00:36 Coyotes top Predators in opener in OT
Ray Whitney scored 14:04 into overtime and the Phoenix Coyotes survived another late goal in regulation to open the Western Conference semifinals with a 4-3 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday.
04/27/2012 21:54 Mike Smith gets burned by a bad bounce (Video)
Everything has gone right for Mike Smith and the Coyotes so far this postseason. Until this bad bounce in the first period on Friday night.
Yip really struggled defensively last season, posting a minus-22 rating which was second-worst on the team. As a result, he was frequently benched by coach Joe Sacco and found himself as a healthy scratch on several occasions. Yip managed 22 points on the season, three more than he tallied the year before, but it took him more than twice as many games to accomplish that feat (71 games versus 32 in 2009-10). This season, Yip is entering the final year of a two-year contract and will need to turn things around in a big way in order to make himself a part of the Avs' long-term plans. (Updated 10/4/11)
