The center has missed 16 games since he sustained a rib/collarbone injury on Nov. 16 against the Dallas Stars. The Bruins, who are 9-6-1 without Bergeron in the lineup, have won their past two games and are 5-2-0 in their past seven. The Predators, who have lost their past three games, look to end a nine-game road losing streak (0-7-2). They have not lost four straight this season.
Players to watch
Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm has seven assists in his past nine games. Bruins center David Krejci has 11 points (five goals, six assists) during an eight-game point streak.
They said it
"It's a long season and you're going to go through some phases where you don't like your game that much. ... You have to stay positive when it doesn't go your way. You have to keep doing the right things, keep believing in what we do and I know it's going to turn."-- Predators defenseman Roman Josi "Well I think the biggest challenge always with Nashville is their 'D' that join the rush. So it's incumbent on our forwards not to get beat up the ice and take bad angles. ... So it's part of how they play and attack as a group of five." -- Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy
The Predators held an optional practice Friday. Sissons was placed on injured reserve on Friday. ... Subban and Arvidsson practiced but there was no update on their availability for the game. ... With Halak starting, Rask will start at the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. ... Chara has been practicing but has been ruled out for each game this weekend.
Stat pack
Johansen has four assists in his past three games. ... Pastrnak has 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in his past eight games.
