They've met four times before and tonight (at 7 p.m. CT), the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks will clash for the final time in the regular season.
Nashville (32-23-9) saw their six-game point streak halted during P.K. Subban's return to Montreal when the Canadiens scored with less than nine seconds remaining in regulation. Also notable from the contest was Ryan Ellis's early exit due to a lower-body injury. Earlier in the game, the 26-year-old defenseman recorded his career-high, 11th goal of the season.
Tonight's visitors, the Blackhawks (41-18-5), also played last night, rallying late in regulation for a 2-1 shootout victory over the New York Islanders. Chicago has won the previous three games versus Nashville after dropping the teams' Opening Night contest in Music City.
The Preds held a full morning skate on Saturday and were joined by Miikka Salomaki (Injured Reserve; lower-body). Ellis (lower-body) was not on the ice for the session.
Below is the team's projected lineup:
Projected Lineup: Blackhawks vs. Predators
Two Fierce Rivals Meet for the Final Time in the Regular Season; Ellis Does Not Participate in Morning Skate
© John Russell
