Magnus Hellberg – Photo Credit: Sarah Fuqua @lenspower
The Nashville Predators have issued the following statement this morning:
“Nashville, Tenn. (October 24, 2013) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled goaltender Magnus Hellberg (MAG-nuhs HEL-buhrg) from Milwaukee (AHL) under emergency conditions.
Hellberg, 22 (4/4/91), in three starts this season, has posted a 1-2-0 record, a 2.23 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. In his first North American professional season in 2012-13, the Uppsala, Sweden native tied for second among AHL goaltenders in shutouts (6), while ranking fourth in goals-against average (2.14) and save percentage (.924). He also ranked third in 2013 Calder Cup Playoffs goals-against average (1.69) and save percentage (.944).
Nashville’s first choice, 38th overall (second round), in the 2011 Entry Draft, the 6-6, 195-pounder is on Twitter @Mulle45.”
This news comes after it was revealed that goaltender Pekka Rinne will be out a minimum 4 weeks:
Pekka Rinne will miss a minimum of 4 weeks with a hip scope. The @PredsNHL recall @Mulle45 http://t.co/Q15IFUb4cv
— KWilsonPreds (@KWilsonPreds) October 24, 2013
Earlier this morning, Rinne’s agent, Jay Grossman, issued the following:
#Preds G Pekka Rinne to see Drs. this AM, more clarity on his situation later today
— Jay Grossman (@Jay_Grossman) October 24, 2013
Jim Diamond reports the following from David Poile:
Poile said Rinne developed a spontaneous bacterial infection in his hip.
— Jim Diamond (@diamondhockey) October 24, 2013
The scope is being done to flush out the infection. — Jim Diamond (@diamondhockey) October 24, 2013
Poile said Rinne felt fine after game on Tuesday but developed soreness and a fever after landing in Nashville. — Jim Diamond (@diamondhockey) October 24, 2013
It looks like David Poile is confident in Hutton and Hellberg:
Poile says they are not going to look for another goaltender and will stick with current guys.
— Jim Diamond (@diamondhockey) October 24, 2013
This will be a true test of the Predators’ goaltending. Carter Hutton and Hellberg only have a combined two NHL starts (both coming from Hutton). As it has been said many times before, goaltending coach Mitch Korn is a sorcerer when it comes to developing goaltenders. With the Preds about to embark on their lengthy 7-game road trip later this week, they will certainly be put to the test.
