NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Nashville Predators forward Martin Erat isn't travelling to Anaheim for Game 5 and coach Barry Trotz blames it on a late hit by Ducks forward Jarkko Ruutu that's being reviewed by the NHL.

Erat suffered an upper body injury after being hit during Wednesday's 6-3 loss that tied the series 2-2.

Trotz ripped into the Ducks after Thursday's practice.

The coach says the Ducks are whining and complaining of being targeted. But Trotz says Anaheim had a player suspended with Bobby Ryan sitting out Games 3 and 4. He says the hit by Ruutu, a "five-minute player" took out a good player for Nashville.

Erat was tied for the team scoring lead with 50 points in the regular season. He had three points in this series after having four teeth knocked out in Game 2.