Senators at Predators preview

SENATORS (13-14-4) at PREDATORS (19-10-1)
8 p.m. ET; RDS2, TSN5, FS-TN, NHL.TV

The Predators are hoping for their first win in three games; their 11 home wins are the most in the Western Conference. They've scored two goals or fewer in four of their past six games, but their 39 points are tied with the Colorado Avalanche for most in the Central Division.
Ottawa is 1-2-1 in its past four games and has scored two goals or fewer in four consecutive games.

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Players to watch

Senators forward Mark Stone has seven points (four goals, three assists) in his past five games.
Predators forward Ryan Johansen has four points (one goal, three assists) in his past four games.

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They said it

"It's always hard to play in this building, not only for the team but their fans are pretty loud as well. … I think at the same time it's a great challenge. It's going to be a fun night. I think we're happy with where our game is going right now." -- Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot
"I think it's just a team that has so much depth that we have to continue to show it and prove it. Nothing is going to be easy. We're fighting for first place. Points, they're not easy to come by no matter what position in the standings you are. Tonight is a good test for us. I really believe that, and it's a good way to bounce back in our home building on a three-game homestand here, but we've got to capitalize tonight." -- Predators defenseman Anthony Bitetto

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Senators projected lineup

Brady Tkachuk -- Colin White -- Mark Stone
Mikkel Boedker -- Chris Tierney -- Drake Batherson
Ryan Dzingel -- Zack Smith -- Magnus Paajarvi
Max McCormick -- Nick Paul -- Tom Pyatt
Thomas Chabot -- Ben Harpur
Maxime Lajoie -- Cody Ceci
Justin Falk -- Erik Burgdoerfer
Craig Anderson
Mike McKenna
Scratched:Stefan Elliott
Injured:Jean-Gabriel Pageau (Achilles), Mark Borowiecki (upper body), Matt Duchene (groin), Bobby Ryan (concussion), Christian Jaros (lower body), Dylan DeMelo (upper body)

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Predators projected lineup

Ryan Hartman -- Ryan Johansen -- Kevin Fiala
Eeli Tolvanen -- Calle Jarnkrok -- Craig Smith
Colton Sissons -- Nick Bonino -- Austin Watson
Miikka Salomaki -- Frederick Gaudreau -- Rocco Grimaldi
Roman Josi -- Ryan Ellis
Dan Hamhuis -- Mattias Ekholm
Anthony Bitetto -- Yannick Weber
Pekka Rinne
Juuse Saros
Scratched:Matt Irwin, Zac Rinaldo
Injured:Filip Forsberg (upper body), P.K. Subban (upper body), Viktor Arvidsson (broken thumb), Kyle Turris (undisclosed)

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Status report

Paul centered the fourth line with McCormick and Pyatt during the morning skate but could come out of the lineup if Senators coach Guy Boucher opts to use 11 forwards and seven defensemen. … Turris participated in the optional morning skate but is not expected to play.

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Stat pack

Anderson is 5-9-4 with a 3.25 goals-against average and an .896 save percentage in 21 games against the Predators. … Josi has three assists during a three-game point streak.