Projected Lineup: Predators at Blackhawks
Pollock Printing Projected Lineup: Preds Begin First Road Trip with Coach Hynes
by Thomas Willis @TomAWillis / Director of Digital & Radio Content
The first road trip with Predators Head Coach John Hynes starts tonight in Chicago, as Nashville faces the Blackhawks (at 7:30 p.m. CT).
The Preds (19-16-7) had Hynes behind the bench for the first time during Tuesday's loss to the Boston Bruins, but the coach was unable to practice with the team or implement large pieces of his system until Wednesday. Ryan Ellis (Injured Reserve), Dante Fabbro (upper-body injury; day-to-day) and Colton Sissons (IR) all watched Wednesday's practice from the bench.
Chicago (19-19-6) is in the midst of a four-game homestand. They hosted the Flames on Tuesday and lost, 2-1. The Hawks and Preds have split their two games against each other this season.
Nashville did not hold a morning skate on Thursday at United Center. Below is a Preds projected lineup based on Tuesday's game and Wednesday's practice:
Forwards
Filip Forsberg - Ryan Johansen - Viktor Arvidsson
Calle Jarnkrok - Matt Duchene - Mikael Granlund
Rocco Grimaldi - Nick Bonino - Craig Smith
Yakov Trenin - Kyle Turris - Austin Watson
Defense
Roman Josi - Yannick Weber
Dan Hamhuis - Mattias Ekholm
Jarred Tinordi - Matt Irwin
Goaltenders
Pekka Rinne
Juuse Saros
Note: The Predators have not announced a starting goaltender for tonight's game