Preview: Predators at Kings

PREDATORS (2-4-0) at KINGS (3-3-0)
10:30 p.m. ET; FS-W, FS-TN, NHL.TV

Predators team scope

The Nashville Predators are coming off of a 6-1 loss at the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday in which Anaheim scored five goals in the second period. The Predators came into the game with the NHL's best power-play percentage, but went 1-for-5 and gave up two shorthanded goals and allowed three power-play goals. "We have to be tougher to play against," coach Peter Laviolette said after the game. "Just generally speaking, 5 on 5 play wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. Special teams just swung the pendulum tonight in the wrong direction. The shorthanded goals and power play goals are too much for any team. We have to do a better job just being harder to play against, defending our goaltender better and defending our end better."

Kings team scope

The Los Angeles Kings have won three straight games which have all been decided after regulation (two in overtime, one in a shootout in). Following an overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday at Staples Center, the Kings expressed confidence in the way their game has come together and how they've been able to wear teams down on the forecheck. Coach Darryl Sutter said he's pleased with the way the defensemen have executed the system. Tom Gilbert, who has three assists and is a plus-3, has especially impressed Sutter. "He's a good teammate, works hard, trains hard," Sutter said. "I think he can help us as we go forward. We played him lots in preseason, played him in a lot of games, because we wanted him to get up to speed."

Predators projected lineup

Viktor Arvidsson -- Ryan Johansen -- James Neal
Filip Forsberg -- Mike Ribeiro -- Kevin Fiala
Colin Wilson -- Mike Fisher -- Craig Smith
Calle Jarnkrok -- Colton Sissons -- Austin Watson
Mattias Ekholm -- P.K. Subban
Roman Josi -- Ryan Ellis
Matt Carle -- Yannick Weber
Marek Mazanec
Pekka Rinne
Scratched:Harry Zolnierczyk, Matt Irwin
Injured:Miikka Salomaki (upper body), Anthondy Bitteto (upper body), Cody Bass (upper body)

Kings projected lineup

Dwight King -- Anze Kopitar -- Tyler Toffoli
Tanner Pearson -- Jeff Carter -- Devin Setoguchi
Andy Andreoff -- Nic Dowd -- Dustin Brown
Kyle Clifford -- Nicholas Shore -- Trevor Lewis
Brayden McNabb -- Drew Doughty
Jake Muzzin -- Alec Martinez
Derek Forbort -- Tom Gilbert
Peter Budaj
Jack Campbell
Scratched:Teddy Purcell, Jordan Nolan, Matt Greene
Injured:Jonathan Quick (groin), Jeff Zatkoff (groin), Marian Gaborik (broken foot)

Status Report

The Kings held an optional morning skate on Thursday. They are expected to use the same skaters from the game Monday. … The play of Gilbert has forced Greene out of the lineup and Sutter didn't say whether or not he anticipated the veteran defenseman to return soon. … Nashville did not skate on Thursday, but Mazanec is expected to start.

Who's Hot

Forsberg has five assists. … Fisher has scored goals in two of the past three games. … Arvidsson has three points in the past three games. … Subban has three points in the past three games. … Pearson has six points and is on a five-game point streak. … Martinez has five points and is on a three-game point streak.