The third and final meeting of the week - and the season - for Nashville and Chicago is tonight at United Center.
The Predators (25-21-1) had claimed the first six games of their season series with the Blackhawks, but after surrendering a three-goal lead in the third period on Wednesday, Chicago prevailed, 5-4, in overtime. After the loss, Nashville Head Coach John Hynes said his team will be eager to respond and prove their ready for the deciding game in this week's three-game series.
In Wednesday's contest, forward Eeli Tolvanen returned from a seven-game absence due to injury and took Rocco Grimaldi's place in the lineup. Hynes said center Brad Richardson (upper-body injury; day-to-day) is nearing a return as well, but that Mark Borowiecki, Alexandre Carrier, Dante Fabbro and Filip Forsberg, remain "week-to-week."
Chicago (22-20-5) has started two different goaltenders against Nashville this week. Kevin Lankinen lost on Monday, while Malcolm Subban led the Hawks to an OT win.
Update: Following Friday's morning skate, John Hynes confirmed the Preds will not have any lineup changes tonight in Chicago.
The Predators held a full morning skate on Friday at United Center. Below is a projected lineup based on the session:
Projected Lineup: Predators at Blackhawks
Vanderbilt Health Projected Lineup: Tolvanen Returns for Preds, Richardson Improving
© Nashville Predators
