Forsberg's impact on Predators not reflected in his stats

Hockey Betting Lines

02/20/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - In two games as a member of the Nashville Predators, Peter Forsberg has yet to record a point. But judging by the team's performance Monday against the Phoenix Coyotes, there's little to reason for Music City fans to panic.

The star center understandably struggled in his Predators' debut, recording just a single shot on goal and a minus-one rating in Saturday's 4-1 home loss to Minnesota. Forsberg was noticeably more comfortable with new linemates Paul Kariya -- a teammate of his in Colorado during the 2003-04 season -- and Martin Erat, and it showed in Monday's results.

Although the trio failed to score on the evening, Nashville's new top line generated a wealth of opportunities and dominated for most of its time on the ice. The unit put up nine shots on Monday, five coming off the stick of Forsberg.

"The Forsberg line could've had three or four goals, easy," said Predators head coach Barry Trotz. "They were all over the offensive zone tonight. They didn't get (any goals), but they were dangerous, and that's what you ask."

The addition of the five-time All-Star has already had a positive trickle-down effect on the rest of the offense. David Legwand, who had been centering the Kariya-Erat line, was placed between Scott Hartnell and Alexander Radulov following Forsberg's arrival to give the Predators three dangerous lines.

Legwand and Hartnell have had success together in the past, and the duo clicked once again in the 4-1 triumph over the Coyotes. Hartnell scored two goals within a 23-second span in the second period, with Legwand springing him for a breakaway on the last tally.

"He's a great player," said Hartnell of Legwand. "He opens up a lot of ice for you. He skates so hard, skates so well, and he can put the puck on your tape too. It's pretty nice and I'm happy to be back with him."

Hartnell's pair on Monday gave him 21 markers for the campaign, making him the fourth Predator to reach the 20-goal plateau this season. Steve Sullivan and Jason Arnott also have 21, while Legwand has a career-best 20.

Nashville, which regained possession of first place in the Central Division with Monday's triumph, will host Montreal on Thursday before wrapping up a four-game homestand with a crucial matchup against rival Detroit on Saturday.

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Despite missing 20 games due to an injury earlier this season, Roy has definitely put up the best numbers of his 1st year peers. In 32 games, Roy is averaging 15.3 PPG, 4.2 boards and 3.5 assists in over 33 minutes of play per game. While most rookies breakdown as the season progresses (see Morrison), Roy is only getting stronger as his playing time and scoring average has increased each month.

With 30 or so games left in the regular season, Roy isn’t a lock for the award by any means. Other rookies are putting together some pretty impressive campaigns and a few could give Roy a run for the award with increased playing time. Heading the list is first pick, Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors. Even though he has started only two games all season, Bargnani is averaging 10.3 PPPG while shooting 35% from deep.

Randy Foye of the Minnesota Timberwolves could be set to give Roy the best competition NBA Rookie of the Year betting lines. With the benching of Mike James, Foye looks like he could be the starter in the T-Wolves backcourt for the rest of the season. So far, Foye has averaged 9 PPG and 2.4 assists in just under 21 minutes per game. With his new role of starter, Foye’s numbers will definitely increase. In his first game as the new starting guard this past Sunday, Foye had 10 points; five rebounds and 8 assists. More importantly, he logged 34 minutes of playing time; his third highest run of the season.

Adam Morrison, of the Charlotte Bobcats, was the favorite early on in the season after averaging 15+ PPG through the first month of the season. Ever since his torrid start, Morrison’s point production has declined each month. This really isn’t surprising, considering at 6’8” he only weighs 205 lbs. Obviously he will need to hit the weights big time during the off-season in order to keep from breaking down in the future.

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