But the recall wasn't unearned on Lindback's part either. Since signing a one-year deal with the Predators organization in July, the 6-foot-6 netminder has posted eight wins in 11 games played with the Admirals, the best in the league.
After spending the majority of the 2016-17 season playing in his home country, Lindback returned to North America for another shot at the NHL. But in doing so, he's also getting a well-received boost of nostalgia sporting the Predators crest once again.
"I'm just trying to enjoy it," Lindback said of being back in Nashville. "I don't know if I'm going to get playing time or not, but I just think it's awesome to be back and practicing here with an NHL team. I'm feeling great about my game. It's nice to be playing down in Milwaukee, and I'm just going to try to seize every opportunity I get."
Lindback was home during the springtime when the Preds made their run to the Stanley Cup Final, so the time change made it tough for him to catch games live, but he certainly kept tabs on what was happening in Nashville. And he's noticed a difference in Sweden compared to the first time he was a member of the Predators; no doubt helped by stars like Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson and Mattias Ekholm.
"You start to see Preds gear back home, and they didn't do that when I first came over," Lindback said. "It's a great thing. Since then, I think this organization has been on the right track for a long time and had hard working players and staff and management. It's been paying off and it's good to be a part of it."
Lindback is also happy to be reunited with familiar faces. He gave a hug to beloved Preds equipment assistant Craig 'Partner' Baugh before Friday's practice commenced, and has enjoyed seeing the progress of players like Roman Josi and Craig Smith who were around during Lindback's first stint with the organization.
He also remembers what it's like to be at Bridgestone Arena on a Saturday night, something he can't wait to experience once more, whether it's on the bench or between the pipes.
"The NHL is where I want to be," Lindback said. "That's my goal. I know I have the ability to play at this level, so this is what I'll work for every day. It's going to be fun to be a part of it."
