Kane is the Blackhawks leading scorer with 109 points (44G, 65A) through 80 games. Jonathan Toews is second on the team with 81 points (35G, 46A) in 81 appearances. Alex DeBrincat trails Kane by three in goals with 41 and is third on the team with 75 points. On defense, Erik Gustafsson's breakout season has him at the 60-point (17G, 43A) mark through 78 outings.
Between the pipes, Corey Crawford is dealing with a groin injury he suffered on Friday night versus Dallas. That means Cam Ward is likely to get the nod in Nashville. He has a 16-11-4 record with a 3.66 GAA and .896 SV%. Kevin Lankinen was recalled from Rockford on an emergency basis.
The Predators have won two in a row to begin April and downed Vancouver 3-2 in their latest outing on Thursday.
Ryan Johansen is the team's leading scorer with 64 points (14G, 50A) through 79 games. Roman Josi is second with 56 (15G, 41A) in 81 and Filip Forsberg is third with 48 points (27G, 21A) in 63 games.
Pekka Rinne remains a tough challenge in net for Nashville. He has a 29-19-4 record this season with a 2.43 GAA and .917 SV%. Juuse Saros is 17-10-2 with a 2.62 GAA and .915 SV%.
SEASON SERIES:
The Blackhawks have clashed with the Predators three times already this season, going 1-1-1 in those meetings. Chicago lost the series opener 5-2 in Nashville on Dec. 1. They bounced back with a 2-1 home win on Dec. 18 but dropped a 4-3 overtime decision at the United Center on Jan. 9.
LINEUP NOTES:
There will be no morning skate. Crawford (groin) has been ruled out.
OPPONENT TO WATCH
Viktor Arvidsson is the team's leading goal-scorer with 33 this season in just 57 games. It's a new career-high for the talented 25-year-old winger. Arvidsson has five goals and two assists in 13 career games versus the Blackhawks.
