OTT-NSH

SENATORS (21-27-9) at PREDATORS (34-14-9)
8 p.m. ET; RDS, TSN5, FS-TN, NHL.TV

The Predators are two points behind the Winnipeg Jets in the Central Division but have played two fewer games. They have lost two in a row but are 11-3-3 in their past 17 games.
Ottawa has won two consecutive games and is 6-3-0 in its past nine after a six-game losing streak (0-6-0). The game against Nashville will be the first of a two-game road trip.
The Senators defeated the Predators 4-3 in overtime at Canadian Tire Centre on Feb. 8.

Players to watch

Senators forward Matt Duchene has six points (two goals, four assists) in a three-game point streak.
Predators forward Ryan Johansen has eight points (two goals, six assists) in his past nine games.

They said it

"You score a few goals and get some puck luck, you get some confidence. You handle the puck with confidence. I think our puck possession time has been way up too over the last few games. That's all part of confidence and scoring goals. We've cleaned up the [defensive] zone a bit. If you're conscious of that, then you're going to get offensive opportunities." -- Senators forward Zack Smith
"I don't think anyone in this room is concerned at all. It's an 82-game season. Not every game is going to be perfect. We've played a lot of good hockey this month. We know how we need to play, and we've just got to make sure we keep working toward the process and the way we want to execute our game plan as best we can." -- Predators forward Ryan Johansen

Senators projected lineup
Predators projected lineup
Status report

Dzingel (personal issue) could rejoin the Senators Tuesday. … Mike Fisher participated in the morning skate for the Predators. He is expected to sign with them by Feb. 26.

Stat pack

Duchene has 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 32 games against the Predators. … Subban has 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists) in 29 games against the Senators.