Formerly fierce rivals, the Predators and Red Wings will square off tonight and on Saturday as Central Division foes once again.
Nashville (5-8-0) has dropped three games in a row, including two losses to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first half of the Predators' four-game homestand. On Tuesday, defenseman Mattias Ekholm returned to the lineup after the birth of his second child, but exited the contest early with an injury. On Thursday morning, Predators Head Coach John Hynes revealed Ekholm is considered "week-to-week" and is likely headed to Injured Reserve. Forward Luke Kunin returned to the lineup on Tuesday, after missing four games with a lower-body injury. Ryan Johansen, Brad Richardson and Luca Sbisa remain on IR.
The Red Wings (3-9-2) have lost nine of their last 10 games, including a 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.
Update: The Preds have placed defenseman Mattias Ekholm (lower-body) and forward Mathieu Olivier (upper-body) on Injured Reserve. The team has also recalled forward Eeli Tolvanen and defenseman Ben Harpur from the taxi squad.
The Predators held a full morning skate on Thursday. Below is a projected lineup based on the session:
Projected Lineup: Red Wings vs. Predators
Vanderbilt Health Projected Lineup: Blueliner Mattias Ekholm Considered "Week-to-Week"
