Radulov, Kostitsyn to miss Game 3

NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Predators announced on Tuesday that forwards Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn -- who rank first and tied for second in points during the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the team -- will sit out Game 3 on Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena for an unspecified violation of team rules. "The Nashville Predators have a few simple rules centered around doing the right things," general manager David Poile said in a statement. "We have always operated with a team-first mentality and philosophy. Violating team rules is not fair to our team and their teammates." Nashville trails the series 0-2. Predators coach Barry Trotz reportedly held a meeting with Radulov at the team hotel on Sunday after the Preds' 5-3 loss to the Coyotes in Game 2. Trotz would not discuss what was said at the meeting on Monday when he met with the media at the airport. Asked if Radulov would play in Game 3, Trotz only said he could not answer because he was unsure. Radulov played nine games during the regular season after returning from four years of playing in the KHL and totaled seven points. He led the series with five points in the opening round, as Nashville eliminated Detroit in five games. Andrei Kostitsyn, whose brother Sergei plays for the Preds, was acquired from Montreal at the trading deadline for a second-round pick. He scored in Sunday's game, his third of the playoffs, which is tied for the team lead. Radulov's six points lead the team. In their place, veteran Jordin Tootoo and Matt Halischuk could be in the lineup.