"For myself it's just keep getting better," Preds defenseman Matt Irwin said. "Executing plays while you're moving, realizing your first option is usually the good option, things like that, just getting back into game speed, game pace, be physical when it's important to and necessary."
Irwin and Blackwell will both participate in the 3:30 p.m. matchup today. Colton Sissons, Nick Bonino, Mattias Ekholm, Rem Pitlick, Rocco Grimaldi, Austin Watson and Philip Tomasino are also among those who will play in the early game.
Ryan Ellis, Kyle Turris, Craig Smith, Eeli Tolvanen, Dante Fabbro, Mikael Granlund, Egor Afanasyev and Juuse Saros are all scheduled to participate in the 7 p.m. contest.
Full Preds rosters for both games
may be seen here
.
Last Time Out:
The Preds hosted a Blue & Gold scrimmage on Sunday afternoon at Ford Ice Center, with the teams playing to a 2-2 draw. Defenseman Frederic Allard and forward Eeli Tolvanen tallied for Team Blue, while forward Rocco Grimaldi and defenseman Adam Smith were responsible for Team Gold's markers. Tolvanen and Grimaldi scored on penalty shots, and Juuse Saros was perfect in his half of the scrimmage for Team Blue.
Saros, Connor Ingram, Troy Grosenick and Ken Appleby all had solid showings in net for the Preds; each of them took one of the two 25-minute halves for their respective sides.
All-Time Meetings:
The Preds are 9-4-(3)-2 all-time in preseason play against the Panthers dating back to Nashville's inaugural season in 1998-99.
When You Go:
Today's preseason contests at Bridgestone Arena are part of a celebration as hockey returns for the 2019-20 season. A Plaza Party begins at 11 a.m. CT on the arena plaza, complete with live music and food trucks to enjoy during the lunchtime hours. Click here for more on the preseason celebration.
ESPN 102.5 The Game will be broadcasting live at Pete and Terry's Tavern at the SoBro entrance of the arena from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT as part of the festivities.
Arena doors open at 2 p.m. CT ahead of the first game at 3:30 p.m.
Please note the updated Bridgestone Arena bag policy for the Predators' 2019-20 season:
Clear, clutch or no bags grant guests access to our Express Lanes. Bags that are made of solid material that fit within the 12-inch-by-12-inch-by-6-inch size requirement will be placed through an X-ray scanner upon entry. Backpacks and large bags are prohibited from Bridgestone Arena. All items brought are subject to a security search. Diaper bags that fit within the guidelines of the approved bags will be permitted.