NHLBAM12_15NJDvsNSHPreview1GOOD

The Nashville Predators will try for a perfect homestand tonight as the New Jersey Devils come to town. It's the second and final meeting between the two clubs this season; the Preds defeated the Devils in overtime back in October.
Kyle Turris potted the OT winner in that first meeting earlier this season, and he returned to the Nashville lineup on Thursday night to help his club defeat the Vancouver Canucks by a 4-3 final, also in overtime. Turris is the first of four big names to return from injury for the club, with P.K. Subban, Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson still on the shelf.
Thursday's win against the Canucks came after a victory over Ottawa on Tuesday to create a two-game win streak for the Preds and give them a chance at a sweep of their current home set before heading out on the road next week.
\[Read More: Preds Projected Lineup vs. Devils\]
\[Preds Official Podcast: Ekholm on Swedish Christmas Traditions\]

"We've been playing some good hockey this week," Preds forward Colton Sissons said following Thursday's outing. "Hopefully we can keep that going on Saturday night. We need some confidence going into the road, so hopefully we'll carry that through."

Last Time Out:
Sissons potted the game-winning goal in the extra session on Thursday after the Canucks scored twice in the final five minutes of regulation to force OT. Ryan Hartman, Nick Bonino and Calle Jarnkrok also tallied for the Preds, while Pekka Rinne collected his 14th win of the season.
Ryan Johansen paces the club with 26 points, followed by Roman Josi with 23 and Mattias Ekholm with 20. Hartman and Craig Smith have nine goals each; Sissons and Calle Jarnkrok have seven.
The Opposition:
New Jersey came all the way back to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday night by a 5-4 final in overtime, their second win in the month of December. Taylor Hall leads the Devils with 31 points, followed by Kyle Palmieri with 28 points and Nico Hischier with 20. Palmieri has 17 goals on the season; Travis Zajac has 10 goals and Blake Coleman has nine. Keith Kinkaid, who is expected to start tonight in Nashville, is 11-8-5 on the season.

Bonino discusses his line's success

All-Time Meetings:
The Predators are 13-9-(0)-6 all-time against the Devils, including a 4-5-(0)-5 record at Bridgestone Arena. Overall, Nashville has earned at least a point (7-2-4) in 11 of their last 13 meetings with the Devils dating back to Dec. 17, 2010. The Preds have earned a point in seven consecutive games (3-0-4) against the Devils at Bridgestone Arena dating back to Nov. 19, 2009.
Notables Versus New Jersey:
Mattias Ekholm is on a five-game point streak against New Jersey, picking up three goals and four assists in that span. Roman Josi has eight points (3g-5a) in his last seven games against the Devils, while Ryan Johansen is on a four-game point streak against the Devils, tallying two goals and three assists.

Coach Laviolette discusses his team's play

When You Go:
Bridgestone Arena doors open at 5:30 p.m. CT ahead of tonight's 7 p.m. puck drop. Fans are encouraged to being a new, unwrapped toy to this evening's game. All toys collected will be donated to Middle Tennessee Toys for Tots, and collection bins will be at all main entrances to the arena.
Watch & Listen:
Coverage for tonight's contest begins with Predators Live on Fox Sports Tennessee at 6:30 p.m. Willy Daunic, Chris Mason and Kara Hammer have the call on the television side, while Pete Weber and Hal Gill will broadcast on 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network.
If the Predators are playing hockey, you can count on the game being on at Preds Approved Bars & Restaurants. Locations throughout Tennessee may be seen by
clicking here
.

The Preds try for a perfect homestand tonight

Streaming Info:
Listen to a Live Radio Feed
(only active during the game broadcast window).
Watch a Live Stream of the game
on the Fox Sports Go App or
Watch on NHL.TV