The Penguins are 0-1-2 after going 7-1-1 in their previous nine games and two points behind the New York Islanders for second place in the Metropolitan Division with New York holding one game in hand. The Predators aim to extend their winning streak to four games. They trail the Winnipeg Jets by three points for first in the Central Division.
Players to watch
Penguins center Sidney Crosby has 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in his past 13 games. Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson has scored 31 goals and needs one for a new NHL career high.
They said it
"I think we've been playing good. We've been playing both sides of the puck. We're creating a lot of chances. We haven't scored that many goals though, but if we keep playing the same way, we're going to get those." -- Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist on his line with Nick Bjugstad and Dominik Simon "I think we're in more of the right position now and we can react from a better position than we were before. We gave up way too many odd-man rushes I felt like, and that's been fixed to the better. I agree with [Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis]. I think [work ethic] along with the detail of where you're sitting at to start to play defense has been a big key." -- Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm on better defensive zone coverage
Maatta participated in the morning skate and has been cleared for contact. … Johnson will make his NHL debut. … Watson practiced Wednesday and skated Thursday for the first time since returning from suspension.
Stat pack
Crosby has 21 points (four goals, 17 assists) in 15 games against the Predators. … Johansen has six assists in a five-game point streak.
