NSH NJD preview

PREDATORS (23-19-7) AT DEVILS (18-24-7)
7:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, TVAS, NHL.TV

Hynes was 150-159-45 in five seasons as Devils coach before being fired Dec. 3. The Predators hired him Jan. 7. Nashville is 4-4-0 with Hynes, including a 5-4 win at the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. Goalie Pekka Rinne is expected to start after Juuse Saros made 29 saves against the Capitals.
The Devils won 4-3 in a shootout at the Ottawa Senators on Monday to end a three-game losing streak (0-3-0). Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood will make his second straight start.

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Players to watch

Predators forward Filip Forsberg has seven points (two goals, five assists) in his past eight games.
Devils center Nico Hischier has 12 points (six goals, six assists) in his past 13 games.

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They said it

"I haven't been back there since everything went down. Yeah, I think it will be a little different. I'm not sure what to expect." -- Predators coach John Hynes
"I'm sure it's going to hit me when I see [Hynes] across the bench. But once the game starts he wants to win the game and we want to win the game. It's going to be a special night and a lot of emotions to start, but once the puck drops it should be OK." -- Devils coach Alain Nasreddine

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Predators projected lineup

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Devils projected lineup

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Status report

Sissons, a forward who has missed 12 games, skated Wednesday and could return. … Subban participated in the morning skate but is a game-time decision because of an illness.

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Stat pack

The Predators are 6-0-3 in their past nine games against the Devils; their last loss in regulation against them was March 3, 2015. ... Duchene has 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 18 games against the Devils. ... Josi needs three points for 400 in the NHL. ... Coleman has six goals in his past seven games.