Predators end homestand by facing Blue Jackets

BLUE JACKETS (32-26-5) at PREDATORS (26-27-10)

TV: FS-O, FS-TN

Last 10: Columbus 6-3-1; Nashville 3-5-2

Season series: This is the second game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators; Nashville goalie Marek Mazanec had 19 saves in a 4-0 shutout in November.

Big story: The Predators in particular need points to remain the hunt for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Losers of six of seven, Nashville hopes to end a four-game homestand with its first win, having gone 0-3-0.

Team Scope:

Blue Jackets: After three straight wins to start March, Columbus was routed 6-1 by the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.

"We've got to approach every game like it's a playoff game and tonight we didn't," forward Ryan Johansen, who scored the Blue Jackets' goal, said Thursday. "Who knows what difference these points will make at the end of the season."

Columbus is fighting with a handful of teams for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and expects a better effort Saturday.

"There's 19 games left and we are right there in the playoff hunt. … From myself to everybody else in this room, we better be ready against Nashville," Johansen said.

Predators: Nashville slipped further back in the Western Conference playoff race after a 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.

"Obviously we want to get on a roll. We haven't been able to. It makes every game count more," forward Colin Wilson said after the game. "We haven't had a great home record this year. We've played some tough teams and been right in it, just haven't gotten bounces."

The Predators, who will play seven of their next eight games on the road, have scored three goals in three games. There are two teams behind them in the conference.

"It's a little bit frustrating because you're playing well in a lot of areas in your game but not getting any points," coach Barry Trotz said. "We've got to find the back of the net a bit more."

Who's hot: Blue Jackets defenseman Dalton Prout has three points in three games. Johansen has six goals and 11 points in his past 10 games. … Predators canter Mike Fisher has an assist in four straight games.

Injury report: Blue Jackets forward Jared Boll (ankle) and defenseman Fedor Tyutin (ankle) are on injured reserve. Defenseman Ryan Murray (lower body) did not play Thursday, and defenseman Nikita Nikitin (upper body) left the game. They are questionable. … The Predators do not list any injuries.