Predators' success motivating injured Kevin Fiala

Kevin Fiala gingerly took a few crutch-aided steps, then grabbed a gold towel. 

The Predators' injured rookie forward, wearing his No. 56 jersey, rallied the frenzied Bridgestone Arena crowd Sunday from the band stage, doing what he could to will his teammates to a history-making victory. 

"I will never forget that in my life," Fiala said of watching the Predators' Game 6 win against the St. Louis Blues. "I was just cheering for my boys. It was just a great scene from up there, too. I was watching them, and it was fun. It was very emotional, but it pumped me up to cheer on my boys.”

When Fiala last wore a Predators sweater April 26, doctors at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis had to slice through it and the rest of his gear to prepare him for surgery. 

A few hours earlier, Fiala's left leg awkwardly slammed into the Scottrade Center end boards during Game 1 of the Predators' second-round series.

The speedy 20-year-old had no time to brace for impact as he lost his balance, briefly unable to feel his leg before the stretcher arrived. He awoke the next morning with a metal rod inserted into his injured leg to stabilize a fractured femur. 

"I’ve got to accept it," Fiala said. "It’s tough right now, especially (since) I can see how good the team is doing. I want to be with them."

Although Fiala won't be on the ice for the Predators during the upcoming Western Conference finals and possibly beyond, he is acting as a source of inspiration. 

“I can’t even imagine something like that happening, especially now in the playoffs when you really want to be out there with your teammates," Predators forward Filip Forsberg said. "He's really positive and just trying to help the team as much as he can."

A season-ending injury, regardless of its timing, is never ideal, but Fiala's robbed him of a certain breakout postseason.

His game-winning overtime goal against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 17 was the highlight of his young career. The Predators' trust in Fiala had risen, leading the dynamic forward to that moment.  

“I was playing good, and we were playing good," Fiala said. "The first few days and the first week were really tough."

Adversity has characterized Fiala's three years in the Predators organization, though it had been confined to the mental variety before the injury. 

The constant yo-yoing between the NHL and American Hockey League that frustrated him stopped because of his increased maturity, which he has relied on during the early stages of his rehabilitation. 

“I think he's got that belief in himself now, that confidence that he fits into our organization, that he can play successfully in the National Hockey League," Predators general manager David Poile said. "I’m really happy with how he looks, with his attitude towards the broken leg. 

"There’s no doubt in my mind that’s he going to come back 100 percent and stronger and better when we get him back next year."

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A full recovery is expected to take up to six months, which puts Fiala on track to return near the start of next season. His aim is to be ready for opening night in October.

He will spend the remainder of the Predators' postseason run as their biggest cheerleader. 

"I’m excited for next season already," Fiala said. "I can’t wait. Right now, I’m just happy for the team that they’re doing so good.

"That’s why I have a smile on my face, because I’m happy for them.”

Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.

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