Memories of the Predators and Jets playoff series in 2018 come to mind as the two clubs meet tonight in Winnipeg with the chance to clash again soon in the postseason.
Nashville (37-24-5) was shut out for the second time in four games when the St. Louis Blues blanked them, 2-0, on Tuesday. The Predators made do without their full complement of players on Tuesday as Mikael Granlund was unable to suit up and Dan Hamhuis, Craig Smith and Miikka Salomaki were on Injured Reserve.
Granlund logged his
first skate with the Predators at Thursday's practice
. The Finnish forward remained in Minnesota to welcome the birth of his first child this week. Brian Boyle was given a maintenance day and missed the practice. Salomaki took line rushes, but Hamhuis and Smith were absent.
Winnipeg (37-22-4) has lost of five six games and sits a point back of Nashville in the standings with three games in hand. The Preds and Jets have played twice already this year, splitting the two games. The clubs will face once more in the regular season on March 23 in Winnipeg.
The Predators held a full morning skate on Friday and were joined by Boyle and Smith. Below is a projected lineup based on the session:
Projected Lineup: Predators at Jets
Mikael Granlund Expected to Make Predators Debut in Playoff Rematch
© Joe Puetz
