The Predators were left frustrated with their play after a third loss to the Lightning on Monday night. Nashville and Tampa Bay will clash again this evening (at 7:30 p.m. CT).
The Preds (5-7-0) have fallen in two-straight games and in four of their last five, after scoring a single time in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Lightning. Before the contest, Nashville placed center Ryan Johansen on Injured Reserve. He is considered week-to-week. Luke Kunin (lower-body injury; day-to-day) skated during Sunday's practice, and head coach John Hynes said he anticipated the forward will play this evening against the Bolts. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm did not play on Monday due to baby reasons; he is expected to return to action tonight, per general manager David Poile.
Tampa Bay (8-1-1) sits atop the Central Division and has won five in a row, three of which have been against Nashville. Goaltender Curtis McElhinney made his first start of the season on Monday and recorded his first win with 23 saves. Pekka Rinne was in goal for the Preds.
Update:
The Preds have recalled
from the taxi squad. Additionally, the team has recalled forward Anthony Richard from Chicago (AHL) to the taxi squad and reassigned forward
Eeli Tolvanen
to the taxi squad.
The Preds did not hold a morning skate on Tuesday. Below is a projected lineup based on Monday's game and recent updates:
Projected Lineup: Lightning vs. Predators
Vanderbilt Health Projected Lineup: Kunin Could Return, Ekholm Expected to Play
