It's quite possible that Monday's matchup featured Finland's net-minding stable for the upcoming Winter Games.

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Calgary Flames Dustin Boyd (R) deflects the puck in front of Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (L) during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Nashville, Tennessee November 30, 2009.

Photograph by : Reuters

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"Could happen," said Nashville's Pekka Rinne. "That would be my dream."

And while Rinne declined to read too much into the Olympic selection process-- "I'm not the one who makes the call"--his respect for Miikka Kiprusoff was undeniable.

"Absolutely, he's one of the pioneers for Finnish goalies," said Rinne, 27. "He's done a great job . . . he's been leading the way for us. He was one of the first No. 1 goalies (from Finland in the NHL). Definitely somebody I've always been looking up to."

Personally, however, Rinne doesn't know Kiprusoff.

But he does appreciate the way his hero tends net.

"He's having a good year," said Rinne. "The way he's been playing in big games. . . at least in my papers, he's the guy (to backstop Finland in Vancouver). I like the way he plays. He plays aggressive. He's really athletic. Those are things I try to bring to my game."

Glad To Be Back

Yes, you could call Dave Scatchard grateful.

"It's not your typical story -- a couple years off, then back in the league," said the Preds forward. "I'm feeling very lucky that I got an opportunity. I'm thankful."

Not only had Scatchard's hockey career been toast--zero games last winter--but life away from the rink wasn't so hot, either. That was the fallout of a concussion suffered when, as a member of the Phoenix Coyotes, he collided with Sergei Gonchar on an icing call. "Instantly, I knew something was wrong."

He had no strength, no balance. Nothing.

"As far as I knew, that was the end of the road," said Scatchard, 33. "I probably spent $60,000 or $70,000 in medical treatment. I saw dozens of doctors."

But this past April one expert adjusted his jaw--which had been partially dislocated--and rebuilt the bite on the right side of his mouth. Voila.

"I feel like a new man," said Scatchard. "The symptoms went away, pretty much over night . . . probably a 48-hour period. Amazing. I couldn't believe how much better I felt, even just walking around or eating or sleeping. Everything from digestion to everyday life seemed to get back in sync."

All that was left to do? Convince someone to sign him.

So Scatchard contacted three general managers. Mike Gillis and the Vancouver Canucks gave him a training-camp tryout. When that bid fell short, Gillis personally shopped Scatchard around.

"I believe he sent a fax to every team in the league," said Scatchard. "Pretty nice of him. A really kind gesture. Not really a typical move from a G.M."

Nashville grabbed him. "That's the Predators' way," said coach Barry Trotz. "We've got a lot of guys that are out of other organizations . . . or are considered career minor-leaguers, and they re-start their careers here. We have an appreciation for players like that. It's almost like a person who has a problem away from the ice--they have their own demons and they have to straighten that away. They've had to take the long road."

Fan Of Aulie

After a two-week conditioning stint with the Abbotsford Heat, Staffan Kronwall is back -- and with a scouting report.