Predators' Ellis 'storms' into net

Nashville Predators goalie Dan Ellis can thank a blizzard in Milwaukee for giving him the opportunity to become the hottest goalie down the stretch.

Last week it appeared Ellis was out and minor leaguer Pekka Rinne was in as the Predators' No.1 goalie. But a snowstorm delayed Rinne's arrival from the American Hockey League team, and Ellis received another chance to reassert himself.

"He has been excellent and given us every chance to win," Predators general manager David Poile said. "He's given us the consistency that we needed."

Ellis will be in the net tonight at the St. Louis Blues as the Predators face the possibility they might have to win their final three games, which include two against St. Louis and one against the Columbus Blue Jackets, to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

"It seems like all of the games now are 1-0 ...