Projected Lineup: Hurricanes vs. Predators

The Nashville Predators host the Carolina Hurricanes in their final home game before the Christmas Break (tonight at 7 p.m. CT).
Nashville (21-8-4) has dropped their last two games at Bridgestone Arena, but still hold one of the NHL's best home records at 11-3-2. In their most recent outing on home ice, the Predators fell 6-4 to the Winnipeg Jets. The loss was Nashville's first regulation defeat in the month of December (6-1-1 record in the month). All time, the Preds have a record of 9-2-0-1 at Bridgestone Arena against the Hurricanes.
Carolina (14-12-7) lost 8-1 on Tuesday to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Hurricanes won the first meeting of the season with the Predators in a shootout, 4-3, on Nov. 26.
The Predators held an optional morning skate on Thursday, with Ryan Ellis (non-roster injury) taking part. Below is a projected lineup based on Wednesday's practice:

Forwards
Filip Forsberg - Ryan Johansen - Viktor Arvidsson
Kevin Fiala - Kyle Turris - Craig Smith
Calle Jarnkrok - Nick Bonino - Pontus Aberg
Miikka Salomaki / Scott Hartnell - Colton Sissons - Austin Watson
Defense
Roman Josi - Mattias Ekholm
Alexei Emelin - P.K. Subban
Matt Irwin - Yannick Weber
Goaltenders
Pekka Rinne
Juuse Saros
Note: The Predators have not announced a starting goaltender for tonight's game