Nashville Predators F Scott Nichol breaks left thumb, out for series against Red Wings

4/11/2008 4:01 PM

DETROIT (AP) -Nashville Predators forward Scott Nichol broke his left thumb in Game 1 against the Detroit Red Wings and was scheduled to have surgery Friday.

``Scotty is an all-purpose guy for us,'' Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. ``He's strong on the draw, he's a top penalty killer and he's one of the leaders. We're going to miss him, but we've missed a lot of players over the last year or so. We just have to find another way to get things done.''

It would help the Predators, trailing 1-0 heading into Saturday's game in Detroit, if forward David Legwand can return from a foot injury.

``He really will be a game-time decision,'' Trotz said. ``I'm hopeful.''

If Legwand can't play, the Predators either will call up a forward from the minors or play with seven defensemen.