Sandstrom, Marshall Back in the Lineup

The news wasn’t all bad from Nashville for the Ducks.

Winger Tomas Sandstrom played his first game since breaking his left wrist Nov. 8 against the Detroit Red Wings. He skated with his customary linemates, Travis Green and Marty McInnis.

Defenseman Jason Marshall returned to the lineup for the first time since suffering a partially torn left hamstring Dec. 18 against the New York Islanders. He was paired with Pavel Trnka on defense.

Of Sandstrom, who returned earlier than expected, Coach Craig Hartsburg said: “His strength is there and his conditioning is unbelievable.” Hartsburg added that Marshall wanted to play the last couple of games, but the defenseman didn’t receive clearance from the training staff until Monday.

Nashville’s management, bracing for a small crowd because of the Tennessee-Florida State game, opened its doors after the Predators’ victory and invited fans to watch the college football championship on the arena’s video screens. Several thousand fans--including a few hundred cheering the Seminoles, stayed to watch.