The Predators will complete a five-game homestand when they host the Panthers for an afternoon tilt at Bridgestone Arena (at 1 p.m. CT).
Nashville (10-13-0) nearly rallied from multiple, multi-goal deficits on Thursday evening, falling behind 3-0 early, before ultimately losing to Florida, 5-4. The Preds are 2-2-0 on their current stretch of home games.
Prior to Thursday's contest, the Preds made multiple roster moves, including removing center Ryan Johansen from the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list, activating center Brad Richardson from Injured Reserve and placing goaltender Juuse Saros on IR. Defenseman Mark Borowiecki also returned to the ice after missing two games due to injury.
In the game, center Matt Duchene exited early and did not return. Nashville Head Coach John Hynes did not have an update on his status immediately following the contest.
The Panthers (14-4-4) have points in five of six games and sit third in the Central Division.
Saturday Morning Update: The Predators have placed Matt Duchene on Injured Reserve. He is expected to be out for 3-5 weeks with a lower-body injury. Forward Mathieu Olivier and defenseman Alexandre Carrier were recalled from the taxi squad.
The Predators did not hold an on-ice practice on Friday and did not hold a morning skate on Saturday. Below is a projected lineup based on Thursday's game:
Projected Lineup: Panthers vs. Predators
Vanderbilt Health Projected Lineup: Borowiecki, Johansen, Richardson Return to the Lineup; Duchene Placed on Injured Reserve
© Nashville Predators
