NASHVILLE -- Predators captain Shea Weber says he feels lucky to be skating again a week after taking a puck to the face that left him unable to see much at all until the next morning. "Definitely very thankful and lucky that it wasnt worse," Weber said. "It could have been a lot worse and got a second chance here, and obviously hopefully it doesnt happen again." Weber took a puck off his face near his right eye Nov. 28 in a 3-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, dropped to the ice and then skated off straight to the locker room. He practiced Friday for the first time and also wore a visor to protect his eyes after an injury that had him worried because of the blood affecting his vision. "You cant see anything out of it and you wonder if its long term," Weber said. "I mean youre uncertain, so you just have to wait and listen to what the doctor says and the guys that ... have dealt with these things before you make any assessment. I mean its tough, but you dont want to jump to any conclusion." As a veteran, Weber has been among those players allowed to play without a visor. He has finished second twice in voting for the Norris Trophy given out to the NHLs best defenceman, and he won a gold medal with Canada in the 2010 Olympics. But he said he spent the first four or five days not allowed to leave the couch to allow his eye time to heal. He was able to see more the next day after the injury with his vision returning gradually. Now Weber is getting used to wearing a visor that he previously had worn only in tournaments like the Olympics. "Well see how it goes," Weber said about the visor. "I mean for right now definitely dont want to take any second chances and dont want to get hit again. So, hopefully I can just get used to it and its not going to be an issue and I can wear it going forward." The Predators made a serious investment in the defenceman they drafted 49th overall in 2003 in July 2012 when they matched a 14-year, $110 million offer sheet by Philadelphia. The 6-foot-4, 234-pound defenceman also is a two-time All Star. Nashville coach Barry Trotz predicted that wearing visors probably will be mandatory in the NHL in a couple years anywhere and pointed out Weber will need it in the 2014 Olympics, too. Trotz said he thinks Weber realizes hes gotten a second chance after an injury that could have been disastrous. "He was able to avoid that, and obviously with that hes taken the right precautions by putting on the shield and having a very productive career and livelihood for a long, long time," Trotz said. "Thats our goal with him and for him, and thats what he wants." Weber accompanied the Predators on their trip, and Trotz said the defenceman may play Saturday night against the Washington Capitals. The Predators certainly need their captain back. Goalie Pekka Rinne has been out since needing arthroscopic surgery Oct. 24 to clean out a bacterial infection in his Oct. 24, and the Predators hope to pick up his activity from his rehab Dec. 20. But no date has been set for his return. Weber defenceman has missed three games and was their leading goal scorer when he was hurt. With seven goals, hes tied with Erik Karlsson of Ottawa, Torey Krug of Boston and Michael Stone of Phoenix for most by defencemen. Nashville has lost three straight without him, and is 7-0 when Weber scores this season. "Obviously, a tough stretch here and not playing the way we should be," Weber said. Mens Shoes Online Ireland . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers (5) - Simply put, Lundqvist was brilliant. Cheap Mens Shoes Ireland . And I wanted to take this opportunity to share some of my experiences gained through International competition and the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Seven NHL referees and six linesmen will be assigned upcoming games in Sochi by the IIHF as part of their 28-man officiating roster comprised of 14 refs and 14 linesmen. http://www.cheapshoesireland.com/. Under the deal, the Vikings will donate an undisclosed sum of money to five gay rights-related charities over the next five years. Kluwe said he wont receive any money as part of the settlement. "This will help a lot of people that really do need that help," Kluwe said. Cheap Shoes Ireland Free Delivery . The Raptors (15-15) posted six road victories last month and have won seven of their last nine games overall. Toronto visits the Washington Wizards on Friday night. Cheap Shoes Clearance . Costa Rica followed up its wins over Uruguay and Italy by holding England to a dour 0-0 draw on Tuesday, enough to finish first in Group D.Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall insists they will not attempt to head-hunt Dan Carter in Saturdays European Champions Cup final. New Zealand World Cup-winner Carter has driven Racing 92 to their first European final as the linchpin of the Parisian side.The 34-year-old will aim to dictate proceedings in Lyon on Saturday, but McCall promised his side will not waste energy chasing an elusive target in a game you can watch live on Sky Sports 2. Its a big, big, big mistake to think youre going to go and get Dan Carter, McCall said.Dan has been doing this for a very long time. So weve got to make sure that his influence in the game isnt huge, isnt unbelievably significant.If we can do that, it means our pack have got on top in the scrum, in the lineout. It means well have put a little bit more pressure on him than hes experienced before. Will Greenwood previews the Champions Cup final between Saracens and Racing 92.dddddddddddd But if you run down his channel and think youre going to shake him up, youre not going to.Maxime Machenauds roaming threat from scrum-half has allowed Carter to span the full width of Racings inside back cordon, leaving the All Black great always at arms length from opposing forwards. Maxime Machenaud (C) often makes extra space for Carter to work in Leicester were unable to put in any meaningful hits on the playmaker in Racings 19-16 semi-final victory in Nottingham, a situation Saracens have since noted well.Machenauds unbelievably competitive, he gets his attack going, added McCall. He brings their big men into the game and someone were going to have to watch like a hawk.He and Carter work very well together, and Dan Carters an expert at picking his moment at when to involve himself, and usually its a pretty good involvement.Weve just got to make sure were really alive to every time that hes going to get the ball, kick and try to put us under some pressure. Also See: Eddie Jones on SSNHQ Barnes talking points Will Greenwoods preview Farrell okay for final ' ' '