The Nashville Predators (23-32-7, 53 points) host the Chicago Blackhawks (20-35-8, 48 points) for a Central Division matchup Saturday at Bridgestone Arena.
Both teams are expected to start their backup goaltenders in Saturday’s contest. Justus Annunen will mind the net for Nashville, while Arvid Soderblom will guard the crease for Chicago.
How the Predators Lined Up vs. Chicago
Stamkos-O’Reilly-Evangelista
Forsberg-Sissons-Marchessault
Smith-Svechkov-Vrana
McCarron-Bellows
Skjei-Blankenburg
Del Gaizo-Stastney
Englund-Barron
Oesterle
Annunen
Saros
IR: L’Heureux, Josi, Lauzon, Wilsby, Bunting
The Predators are icing 11 forwards and seven defensemen against the Blackhawks. Forward Zachary L’Heureux (upper-body, week-to-week) took line rushes with Michael McCarron and Kieffer Bellows at morning skate, but will not yet return to Nashville’s lineup.
Forward Jakub Vrana and defenseman Jordan Oesterle – claimed off waivers Thursday from the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins, respectively – are making their Predators debuts in Saturday’s contest. Michael Bunting, acquired via trade Wednesday from the Pittsburgh Penguins, remains on IR after undergoing an appendectomy last week.
