The Nashville Predators return home for two dates with Eastern Conference teams in playoff positioning. First up, the Toronto Maple Leafs visit Bridgestone Arena tonight (at 7 p.m. CT).
The Preds (41-27-5) closed out their trip to California with wins over the L.A. Kings and San Jose Sharks last week. Center Kyle Turris was scratched for both of those contests, but appears set to re-enter the Predators' lineup after skating on the fourth line during Monday's practice. Additional roster news for Nashville arrived yesterday evening with the NHL/NHLPA announcing forward Austin Watson's indefinite suspension had ended and he'd been given "available status."
Toronto (43-24-5) has lost three of four and is in the midst of a three-game road trip. The Predators topped the Maple Leafs in Toronto, 4-0, on Jan. 7.
The Preds held an optional morning skate on Tuesday. Below is a Predators projected lineup based on Monday's practice:
Projected Lineup: Maple Leafs vs. Predators
Kyle Turris Back on Fourth Line at Monday's Practice
© John Russell
