Brian Boyle, Wayne Simmonds Could Resume Skating on Friday

As the Predators prepare for Game 5 against the Dallas Stars on Saturday afternoon, they could have some familiar faces back on the ice at Friday's practice.
In speaking to the media via conference call on Thursday, Preds Head Coach Peter Laviolette was asked about the possibility of Brian Boyle and Wayne Simmonds practicing with the team.
"Don't hold me to this - I believe that they'll be on the ice at practice tomorrow," Laviolette said of Boyle and Simmonds.

Practicing likely wouldn't mean an imminent return for either player, but it would certainly be a positive sign in their respective recoveries. Boyle had a recent appendix procedure and Simmonds is dealing with a lower-body injury; both players are listed as week-to-week.
The Predators and Stars are tied 2-2 in their best-of-seven series. Game 5 is set for a 2 p.m. (CT) start on Saturday afternoon in Nashville, while Game 6 will come Monday in Dallas, time to be determined. If necessary, the Preds would host Game 7 on Wednesday night at Bridgestone Arena.