The Nashville Predators can make history in a variety of ways tonight when they host the Buffalo Sabres (at 7 p.m. CT).
A Preds' (50-16-11) win, combined with a Winnipeg Jets regulation loss (to the Toronto Maple Leafs) and Vegas Golden Knights loss in any fashion (to the San Jose Sharks), clinches the Central Division and a Western Conference regular-season crown. A Preds' victory would also tie the franchise record for wins in a season (51 in 2006-07).
Nashville held a full morning skate on Saturday and were joined by Austin Watson (upper-body injury; day-to-day) and Yannick Weber (upper-body injury; day-to-day). Per Head Coach Peter Laviolette, winger Eeli Tolvanen will make his NHL debut tonight.
Buffalo (24-41-12) has lost five of six, including a 4-0 loss to the Predators on March 19.
Below is a Preds projected lineup for tonight based on the session:
Projected Lineup: Sabres vs. Predators
Eeli Tolvanen Will Make NHL Debut for Predators Tonight; Austin Watson May Return
© John Russell