Penguins at Predators preview

PENGUINS (9-7-2) at PREDATORS (8-5-2)
8 p.m. ET; ATTSN-PT, FS-TN, NHL.TV

The Predators will host the Penguins for the first time since a 2-0 loss in Game 6 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. The Predators have won three consecutive games for the first time this season and are 3-1-1 at home.
The Penguins, who lost 4-1 at the Washington Capitals on Friday, are 0-4-1 in the second of back-to-games this season and have been outscored 31-8 in those five games. The Penguins defeated the Predators 4-0 on Oct. 7 at PPG Paints Arena.

Players to watch

Penguins forward Phil Kessel has five points (two goals, three assists) in his past three games.
Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne is 3-1-1 with a .936 save percentage in his past five games.

They said it

"I thought we had opportunities to shoot the puck. We've been reluctant, for whatever reason, the last couple games to shoot the puck, and I think we can generate offense off of it. When we have that shot-first mindset, I think that's when the power play is at its best."-- Penguins coach Mike Sullivan after the loss to the Capitals
"I think it's really helpful. You've got a couple days. Comfortable with the systems and with linemates and start to get some chemistry and get to know everybody. I feel like it makes a big difference." -- Predators center Kyle Turris on getting two days of practice before his first game after being traded

Penguins projected lineup

Jake Guentzel -- Sidney Crosby -- Patric Hornqvist
Bryan Rust -- Evgeni Malkin -- Phil Kessel
Carl Hagelin -- Riley Sheahan -- Conor Sheary
Tom Kuhnhackl -- Greg McKegg -- Ryan Reaves
Olli Maatta -- Kris Letang
Brian Dumoulin -- Chad Ruhwedel
Ian Cole -- Justin Schultz
Tristan Jarry
Matt Murray
Scratched: Frank Corrado, Josh Archibald
Injured: Matt Hunwick (concussion), Carter Rowney (hand)

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Predators projected lineup

Filip Forsberg -- Ryan Johansen -- Viktor Arvidsson
Kevin Fiala -- Kyle Turris -- Craig Smith
Scott Hartnell -- Calle Jarnkrok -- Miikka Salomaki
Cody McLeod -- Colton Sissons -- Austin Watson
Roman Josi -- Mattias Ekholm
Alexei Emelin -- P.K. Subban
Matt Irwin -- Yannick Weber
Pekka Rinne
Juuse Saros
Scratched:Anthony Bitetto
Injured: Nick Bonino (lower body), Ryan Ellis (knee)

Status report

The Penguins did not hold a morning skate. … The Predators reassigned forward Frederick Gaudreau to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League and sent forward Pontus Aberg to Milwaukee on a conditioning assignment. … Bonino participated in the morning skate. He's missed 10 games with a lower-body injury.

Stat pack

Crosby has 21 points (four goals, 17 assists) in 14 games against the Predators. … Turris has 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 18 games against the Penguins.