The Nashville Predators are one of several teams in the running for a potential Phil Kessel trade with the Boston Bruins, according to the Tennessean, and Nashville GM David Poile confirmed interest to the newspaper in a report published Saturday. Poile admitted that he's spoken with both Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli and Kessel's agent, Wade Arnott, in recent days, and had nothing but flattering things to say about the 21-year-old sniper. "He's a young player that scores goals," said Poile, who also admitted that the Preds wouldn't be interested in signing Kessel to an offer sheet "and that's very much of interest to us. We've talked concepts. I'd be very interested to see if there might be something he would like from the Predators.'' 

Daisuke Matsuzaka will make his first big league start since landing on the 15-day disabled list on June 19 with a slightly strained right shoulder, and told the media Saturday afternoon that he was appropriately "excited" about pitching in Boston. The 28-year-old is going out with realistic expecations, and brushed aside talk about making statements concerning his worthiness for potential Sox playoff rosters. Matsuzaka was 1-5 with an 8.23 ERA in eight early season before hitting the DL. "I know that it took me some time to get here, but I also feel that I was able to use that time to get prepared really well," said Matsuzaka through translator Masa Hoshino. "I just hope that I can apply all those things that I was preparing for. I don't think it's necessary to think that far ahead (to the playoffs) right now. I'd like to focus everything I have on my upcoming start....