Puck Previews: Predators go without Radulov, Kostitsyn for Game 4 vs. Coyotes

True story: the devil lost that fiddle contest because, the night before he went down to Georgia, he partied in Scottsdale until 3 a.m.

Preview: Phoenix Coyotes at Nashville Predators, 7:30 p.m. ET

Barry Trotz has made the decision to sit Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn in favour of Matt Halischuk and Jordin Tootoo for the second straight game. Is it the right one? On the one hand, the Predators tightened up defensively and won without the two forwards in Game 3, so you know it can be done. But, on the other hand, you've made your point. It's more than likely this game is a low-scoring affair decided by one goal. If the Predators don't come out on top, Trotz is going to face a lot of criticism for burying two of his best hopes to get that goal in the press box.

Evening Reading

• Mirtle on the NHL's dwindling Russian influence. [The Globe & Mail]

• Enforcer Derek Parker makes the jump from hockey to MMA. [Winnipeg Free Press]

• Cool piece on the Hockey Night in Canada intros. [Montreal Gazette]

• Marcus Foligno is living up to the family name. [Polished Puck Press]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: Pittsburgh fan JS points out the hypocrisy of Philadelphians:

I see Philly has no problem using Pittsburgh-based ketchup

YOU USE OUR KETCHUP. WE WIN.

Bold prediction: A second consecutive Pekka Rinne shutout.