Projected Lineup: Bruins vs. Predators
Preds Will Wait to See if Any Injured Players Can Return Against Bruins
by Thomas Willis @TomAWillis / Digital Manager & Producer
The Nashville Predators host the Boston Bruins for the first and only time this season (at 7 p.m. CT).
The predominate question again for the Preds is who will be healthy. James Neal (Injured Reserve; upper-body), Colin Wilson (day-to-day; lower-body) and P.K. Subban (Injured Reserve; upper-body) did not participate in Nashville's practice on Wednesday. Viktor Arvidsson was also absent and was given a maintenance day.
The Predators held an optional morning skate on Thursday and were joined by Arvidsson, Neal and Subban. Earlier in the day, defenseman Alexandre Carrier was recalled from Milwaukee (AHL). Carrier is yet to log a game at the NHL level, but was named an AHL All-Star for this season. Derek Grant, who was claimed on waivers yesterday, also skated on Thursday.
Below is a projected lineup based on Thursday's skate:
Forwards
Filip Forsberg - Ryan Johansen - Viktor Arvidsson
Colton Sissons - Mike Fisher - Austin Watson
Kevin Fiala - Mike Ribeiro - Craig Smith
Harry Zolnierczyk - Calle Jarnkrok - Pontus Aberg
Defense
Roman Josi - Ryan Ellis
Mattias Ekholm - Matt Irwin
Anthony Bitetto - Yannick Weber
Goaltenders
Juuse Saros
Pekka Rinne
Note: The Predators have not announced a starting goaltender for tonight's game.