Ryan Suter’s second trip to Nashville will likely include some loud booing from the Predators expected sell-out crowd tonight.
Suter, who spent the first seven years of his career playing for the Predators, was booed with plenty of hostility when he made his first trip back last season.
But Suter didn’t have to wait for tonight’s game to get booed. His teammates gave him a practice round of booing during the morning skate, according to Michael Russo.
Suter’s relationship with Nashville head coach Barry Trotz remains strong, even though, according to Trotz, it’s still on a light-hearted level. Trotz explained the converstation he had with Suter earlier today.
“He (Suter) said, ‘I thought you liked me?’ I do like Ryan. I just know Section 303’s not going to let him off the hook. So I’ve just played along with it,” Trotz said. “Ryan’s a big part of our history. He’s an exceptional defenseman, and we know it. One thing you’ll find out about the Nashville fans, they are passionate.
“Ryan is like one of our family, seeing him as an 18-year-old, but he’s the enemy now. So if they want to stay tough on them, that’ll be 303’s decision, not mine. But I read all the blogs. I’m pretty sure he’s not going to be let off the hook for awhile.”
Note: The Pioneer Press reports that forward Carson McMillan was called up from Iowa and will be a healthy scratch tonight. He got the call just in case the flu-like symptoms going around the locker room force a player to miss the game.
