Maren Angus

mangus@tennessean.com

Jeremy Coupal was ready when the phone call came.

The Predators video coordinator filled in for Carter Hutton during Friday's practice at Centennial Sportsplex. The backup goaltender sat out for what the team called a maintenance day after playing in Thursday's 3-2 loss at Ottawa.

"When I get the call, I pick up the phone," Coupal said. "That's how it works. Honestly, I hope it doesn't happen because I want our guys to be healthy and want our guys to practice, but I'm always more than willing to step in and help out."

Coupal is not under contract. He played college hockey at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., as a third-string goalie. He appeared in one game, going the final 5:49 of a 6-2 loss to Princeton in 2012.

Coupal, who said he filled in at a morning skate once last season, wore a blue Predators jersey with Rensselaer red and white pads Friday.

"It's just fun when you're out there," he said. "These guys are so good, it's unbelievable how good they are. That's what makes it fun."