After a three-week Olympic Winter Games break, NHL hockey is back, and the Nashville Predators are ready to hit the ice once more. Tonight, they face off against the Chicago Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena, marking their third meeting this season, with each team having secured a win in the series so far.
This evening is special for more than just the hockey. It's Nashville's second Hockey Fights Cancer Night of the season, focusing on raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr.
Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. In a heartfelt gesture, Predators goaltender Justus Annunen will sport a custom mask designed by pediatric cancer patients.
The mask, a collaborative effort with Vaughn Pro Choice and artist David Gunnarsson of DaveArt, will be auctioned off to benefit the cause. Fans can bid by texting ANNUNEN to 76278, with the auction closing on March 12.
After a 10-day break and a week of practices, the Predators are eager to return to action. Positioned within reach of a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, Nashville knows the importance of tonight's game against Chicago.
Preds Captain Roman Josi emphasized the urgency, stating, “Coming off a break…you never know what to expect from the other team either. The team who’s more urgent and comes out harder always has the advantage.” With the Trade Deadline looming, these games are pivotal for the Predators' playoff push.
Winger Luke Evangelista echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for immediate points and a strong start to build momentum before the deadline.
In preparation, Nashville recalled forwards Zach L’Heureux and Matthew Wood from Milwaukee. L’Heureux, who played 62 games with Nashville last season, has yet to see NHL ice this year.
Juuse Saros and Erik Haula have returned from winning bronze with Finland at the Olympics but haven't practiced with the team yet. Their status for the game will be determined after reassessment.
The Predators entered the Olympic break with a narrow 6-5 overtime loss to Minnesota and a 4-2 defeat against Washington. They previously secured wins over the Islanders and Blues, holding 26 wins and 59 points through 57 games.
Ryan O’Reilly leads the Preds with 56 points, while Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos have been key contributors. In net, Saros holds a 21-17-5 record, with Annunen at 5-7-2.
On the other side, the Blackhawks struggled before the break, losing six of their last seven games. Connor Bedard leads Chicago with 53 points, and Spencer Knight stands at 16-16-7 in goal.
Historically, the Predators have a solid record against the Blackhawks, with a 73-53-(4)-12 all-time advantage. Nashville has consistently held Chicago to two or fewer goals in recent matchups.
Since December 1, Nashville has been impressive, with an 18-11-3 record, tying for the third-most wins in the Western Conference during that stretch. Their special teams have been a standout, especially the penalty kill at home.
A few milestones are on the horizon: Jonathan Marchessault is nearing 300 career assists, Brady Skjei is close to 300 career points, and Head Coach Andrew Brunette is approaching his 300th game.
Tune in for coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. CT on FanDuel Sports Network South, with play-by-play on 102.5 The Game and Spanish broadcasts on El Jefe. Tonight promises to be an exciting return to NHL action in Nashville.