The Predators begin a three-game homestand tonight, as winners of 11 of their last 13 games.
Nashville (22-18-1) strengthened their hold on the Central Division's final playoff spot with a 7-1 victory in Detroit on Thursday, but they also lost even more players to injury. On Friday, the club placed winger Filip Forsberg, who has been out since March 25, on Injured Reserve. Additionally, defenseman Dante Fabbro and forward Eeli Tolvanen were labeled as week-to-week with their injuries. Finally, winger Mathieu Olivier is expected to be out 4-6 weeks with a lower-body injury.
The Preds held a full morning skate on Saturday in advance of their game against the Lightning. Defensemen Ryan Ellis, David Farrance and Tyler Lewington and forwards Michael McCarron and Rem Pitlick joined for the session. Ellis has been activated from IR, while Pitlick and McCarron have been recalled from the taxi squad. Nashville will host Tampa Bay tonight, Dallas tomorrow and the Lightning again on Tuesday. Monday afternoon is the NHL's annual trade deadline at 2 p.m. CT.
The Lightning (27-11-2) are 1-2-0 in their last three games. They topped the Blue Jackets, 6-4, on Thursday. Bolts Captain Steven Stamkos was injured in the contest and is out tonight.
Below is a Preds projected lineup based on Saturday's morning skate:
Projected Lineup: Lightning vs. Predators
Vanderbilt Health Projected Lineup: Ellis Activated, Forsberg Placed on IR; Fabbro, Tolvanen Week-to-Week with Injuries
© Nashville Predators
