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Alexander Radulov played with “a little crack in the knee”

Nashville Predators v Phoenix Coyotes - Game One

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 27: Alexander Radulov #47 of the Nashville Predators reacts in Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena on April 27, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Predators 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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Alexander Radulov turned down an offer to play in the World Championships because he has “a little crack in the knee.” He called the injury minor, but he will probably need surgery.

“It was (all) season,” Radulov said. “It wasn’t bad pain, but I could feel it. It doesn’t bother my game. … It’s all fine.”

Despite Radulov’s claims to the contrary, it’s possible that his injury had a negative impact on his game. However, what his knee injury doesn’t explain is his decision to miss curfew before Nashville’s Game 2 loss in the second round. Radulov was handed a one-game suspension by the team for his rules violation.

Radulov is scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer. He said he’d like to stay with the Nashville Predators.

Mike Fisher seems to be in favor of re-signing Radulov.

“He loves to play the game. You can see that in practice, his work ethic. He brought it,” Fisher said. “And we need that top offensive guy, and he showed flashes of that when he was here. It’s not always easy adjusting to the ice and I think he took a little bit of time, but he’s got all the tools and potential to be that guy.”