Hartnell is taking the place of winger Ryan Hartman, who was suspended by the NHL on Thursday afternoon for one game due to an illegal check to the head of Colorado's Carl Soderberg in Game 4. The circumstances provide an opportunity for Hartnell, one he doesn't plan on wasting.
"It's been exciting all year for me," Hartnell said after Friday's morning skate. "I'm just going to play my game and do my thing."
Hartnell skated alongside Mike Fisher and Calle Jarnkrok on the fourth line during rushes at the morning skate prior to Game 5, a combination Laviolette believes could find the back of the net.
"He's just a great warrior," Laviolette said of Hartnell. "He's going to play hard, he's going to play smart, and there's a chance he could chip something in with that line… The lineup always moves in the playoffs just based on things that happen and guys have to be ready to jump in and make a difference. I feel really comfortable with Scott."
If Hartnell and his teammates are successful tonight, they'll advance to the second round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season, a mark that would set a club record. Nashville was able to capitalize on all three of their home games last spring when they had the chance to advance.
Now, they'll try to do so once more.
"We don't want to go back to Colorado; that's our mindset," Hartnell said. "It's going to take 60 minutes tonight to get the job done. We can't fool around with pucks, can't turn pucks over and we know what their top line can do, what their power play can do. We just have to play a smart game."
