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Game Day Preview: The Calgary Flames vs The San Jose Sharks (April 7)

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) and Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) face off for the puck during the third period at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Sunday, Feb 23, 2025. (Photo: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

The Calgary Flames (36-27-13, fourth in the Pacific Division, four points away from the second wild-card spot) will travel to the Bay Area to play the San Jose Sharks (20-46-10, last in the Pacific Division, 23.1% to win first overall pick).

This will be the third of four meetings between the two teams. Calgary won both previous matchups.

Despite being dominated offensively by the Golden Knights, the Flames came away with one point thanks to a First-Star performance by goalie Dustin Wolf. Calgary will now face off against a San Jose team that was the first team eliminated from play-off contention, and are favorites to pick up the first overall pick for the second year in a row. But this team consists of exciting and talented first rounders like William Eklund, Will Smith and rookie of the year favorite Macklin Celebrini, alongside veterans like Alexander Wennberg and Tyler Toffoli. They are certainly not a bunch to take casually.

But for Calgary, with Vancouver and Utah hot on their tail in the standings, a win will keep their playoff hopes alive as they trail the current second wild-card spot holders Minnesota by four points. It goes without saying: this game is a MUST WIN.

HEAD 2 HEAD

Based on both prior games this season, the Calgary Flames have the fifth-best save percentage against the San Jose Sharks at even-strength situations. It is expected that Wolf will make his fourth consecutive start in net. This should be a relatively easier night compared to Saturday, as the San Jose offense have belted just 25.5 shots on goal against the Wolf (who was goaltender in both previous games), which is 18th against any team by San Jose this season.

 In 4-on-5 penalty kill situations, the Flames are 4-for-5 against the Sharks. After going 2-for-2 in the PK against the Knights, along with a string of good performances highlighted in this article, I have no doubt the PK unit will continue their great form in this upcoming game. It also helps that the Sharks power play is the sixth-worst in the league.  Still, it’s probably best not take a hungry young team, one with the Calder Trophy front-runner, lightly considering their power play percentage of 20.0 against Calgary is a modest 16th amongst all teams.

On the offensive end, the Flames have enjoyed showering Sharks goalies with shots on goal, putting up 34.5 per game, the third-most against any team.

However, the Flames powerplay unit has gone 2-for-9 on the man-advantage against San Jose.

After Saturday’s embarrassing powerplay showing, Calgary needs a comeback, and an emphatic one at that.

TALE OF THE TAPE (SKATERS) 

Source: Natural Stat Trick

TALE OF THE TAPE (GOALIES)

Source: Natural Stat Trick

PLAYOFF ODDS

As San Jose has been eliminated from playoff contention, this game has no impact on the Sharks’ playoff odds.

For the Flames, the playoff odds are as follows depending on the outcome of the game:

Source: Money Puck

The Calgary Flames take on the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center in San Jose tonight at 8:30 MDT/10:30 EDT

Canucks Finish The Season With A 2–8 Record In The Second Half Of Back-To-Backs, Losing 3–2 To Vegas

Apr 6, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) and defenseman Shea Theodore (27) watch as goalie Adin Hill (33) makes a save on Vancouver Canucks defenseman Vittorio Mancini (90) in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

The Vancouver Canucks have lost yet another important game for their playoff hopes. Despite coming close, they lost 3–2 to the Vegas Golden Knights, marking their eighth loss in the second-half of back-to-backs this season. Nils Höglander and Aatu Räty scored for the Canucks, while Kevin Lankinen made 32 saves on 35 shots against. 

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:

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Höglander made his return to the lineup tonight, starting on a line with Brock Boeser and Pius Suter. This was his first taste of in-game action since leaving the match on March 22 against the New York Rangers, though he joined the team for a regular practice on Friday. He tallied the opening goal off a solid offensive effort from Vancouver, grabbing a rebound after the Canucks sent a flurry of shots at Vegas goaltender Adin Hill. Prior to tonight’s game, he had five points in his previous five games. In his return to the lineup, he put up two shots and two hits in 16:20 minutes on the ice.  

“It felt good to get the goal there in the first period,” Höglander said after the game. “Feels good to get it over and just keep going from this.” 

“I think a lot of guys can learn from Höggy," Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet added on Höglander's performance tonight. "You’ve got to move your feet and go to where the puck is going to be.”

The chances didn’t stop for Vancouver after Höglander’s goal, as each line contributed to generating the team’s seven shots produced within the first half of the first period. By the end of the first frame, despite the 2–1 score, the Canucks put up 12 shots and a corsi-for of 17. As well, the night after scoring his first career NHL goal, Elias Pettersson (D) put up three hits in the first period. 

“I think the first period was pretty good. We got some good forecheck and good looks. So, yeah, that's the goal. We’ve gotta score,” Höglander added. 

For Vegas, the first period was extremely lucky. Their first goal could have been challenged for being offside, as Barbashev seemed to enter the Canucks’ zone only inches before Mark Stone carried the puck in. However, Vancouver decided not to challenge it despite it looking pretty close. This is assumedly due to Vegas’ status as the top power play team in the NHL. The second Vegas goal bounced off of Victor Mancini’s skate and flew into the net before Lankinen could slide to the other side of his crease to stop it. 

Lankinen made his first start since the team’s 7–6 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 28. The Finnish goaltender’s playing time has decreased significantly since Thatcher Demko returned to the lineup on March 24 against the New Jersey Devils, giving him ample rest after starting nearly 50 games this season. Despite letting two in during the first period, he settled into the game and made a great slew of saves in the second frame. 

Räty, who has been fantastic since being called up on March 23, scored his sixth goal of the season to tie the game up at 2–2. He now has four goals in his last six games. He was the team’s best regular faceoff man by a mile today, winning seven of 10 draws (though Jake DeBrusk won all three that he took). Räty also had three shots and four hits in 11:35 minutes played. 

Despite their impressive start to the game, by the third period, play fell dramatically into Vegas’ favour. In this frame, the Golden Knights piled 12 shots onto the Canucks in an attempt to break the tie and finally beat Lankinen near the 17-minute mark of the third period.  

"Obviously we didn't have the puck enough the second half of the game. They controlled the play, so we're kind of hanging in there. So it's tough when you're you don't have the puck a lot, but there's some effort from a lot of guys out there," Tocchet noted. 

“I think we’ve just got to keep building, keep believing here,” Lankinen said of what the team can take from the loss. 

While their postseason hopes will depend on other teams in their conference, Vancouver can’t afford to lose any more games if they want a shot at playoff hockey. 

Stats and Facts: 

  • With the win, Vegas’s record at Rogers Arena is now 9–1–2 
  • Canucks playoff odds now sit at 0.2%, as per MoneyPuck.com 
  • Boeser tallies his 11th point in the last 10 games 

Scoring Summary: 

1st Period: 

4:46 - VAN: Nils Höglander (7) from Pius Suter and Brock Boeser 

8:36 - VGK: Ivan Barbashev (21) from Mark Stone 

13:15 - VGK: Nicolas Roy (13) from Tanner Pearson and Keegan Kolesar 

2nd Period: 

8:03 - VAN: Aatu Räty (6) from Filip Hronek and Kiefer Sherwood 

3rd Period: 

16:46 - VGK: Victor Olofsson (14) from William Karlsson and Alex Pietrangelo 

Up Next: 

With the conclusion of their final back-to-back of the season, Vancouver’s next game will come against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday in the first of a two-game road trip. This will be the second game they play against four straight playoff-contending teams. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 pm PT.

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

The Hockey News

Bolduc Finally Feels Like He Belongs With Blues, In NHL

St. Louis Blues forward Zack Bolduc (76) has found his consistent level playing in the NHL since the 4 Nations Face-Off. (Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Zack Bolduc sat at his locker recently, comfortable in his own skin -- his NHL skin.

The St. Louis Blues forward, playing in his first full season after getting a taste of life in the NHL last season after the Blues selected the 22-year-old with the No. 17 pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, can look around his surroundings in St. Louis and finally knows he belongs.

It took some time, plenty of learning curves and teachable moments, lots of patience and frequent flier miles between St. Louis and Springfield of the American Hockey League.

It's not always fun and games for a highly-touted prospect to hit the ground running -- or skating -- in the NHL. Look at Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon, who did have 63 points in his first NHL season in 2013-14 but only had 38 in his second; Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid did put up 48 points his rookie season in 45 games before he's taken off; Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov may be the best comparison of them all after scoring just 18 points in 52 games his rookie season of 2013-14. Those are some of the high-end first-round picks that are faces of the league today.

Not comparing Bolduc to any of these players, but it just shows that even the best of players need some time to develop. Bolduc is still developing, but the foundation seems to have been laid for growing his potential.

Earlier in the season, Bolduc still wasn't sure he belonged -- yet. As the Blues (43-28-7) embark on their final road trip of the season, starting with Monday against the Winnipeg Jets, Bolduc knows he longs.

"Oh yeah, definitely," he said. "I'm feeling comfortable and confident on the ice. I feel like I can play with everyone on the ice, against anyone. I think I can help this team win some games too. It's great to be a part of it.

"We have a great group of guys too. We're building something special here right now. We've just got to keep it going."

Bolduc, who has 33 points (18 goals, 13 assists) in 68 games this season and is among the team leaders at plus-20, was in and out of the lineup earlier in the season under Drew Bannister. But when Jim Montgomery took over and made his Blues debut as coach on Nov. 25 against the New York Rangers, Bolduc scored his first two goals of the season and seemingly began to build his game.

It took some time, even though Montgomery was building trust in the young player, but it finally started taking shape despite the occasional healthy scratch. Things really seemed to take off after the 4 Nations Face-Off break, coinciding with the Blues' 18-2-2 run since Feb. 22.

Remember, this is a player that combined for 209 points (105 goals, 104 assists) in two seasons with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL before turning pro.

"I don't know exactly when he had the 'Ah-ha' moment in the last six weeks, but he obviously had it mentally," Montgomery said. "As coaches, you can tell someone, 'I want you to make plays, I believe in you.' Until he believes it himself, there's going to be inconsistency. And what we're getting out of him is night in, night out, he competes. Night in, night out, his details are really good. The offensive part of his game, he's getting more opportunities because his habits are so much better."

Bolduc had a goal and two assists in two games leading into the break but was sent to Springfield during the break to continue playing, and despite only getting two assists in four games with the Thunderbirds, it seemed to reset Bolduc and he's scored 12 of his 18 goals on the season in 22 games since, including two power-play goals on Saturday in a 5-4 win against the Avalanche to extend the Blues' winning streak to a franchise record 12.

Bolduc seems to have found himself a role in the bumper on the power play.

"I think it's just time," Bolduc said. "Play the position and feel some situations here and there, be around the guys and do some video and try to learn everything on the ice and off the ice.

"For me it was all about time. You give yourself some time and try and work, try and learn every day and things will happen. I started feeling all the effort you put in when you come back, it's fun."

Even though he's played majority of the time on the third line with Oskar Sundqvist, Mathieu Joseph and whoever else has had to slip into the lineup, Montgomery seems to be tapping No. 76 on the shoulder more so if there's a need for top six minutes with Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich, or Brayden Schenn, Jordan Kyrou and Jake Neighbours now that Dylan Holloway is sidelined week to week.

"It's a great feeling," Bolduc said. "I know I can play with these guys. I know now I can help this team win some games and I can play with a guy like Thomas, 'Jakey', whoever. Sometimes I play with 'Schenner' when lines are flipping here or there.

"Our full lineup is full of talent. It's fun to play with everyone. I just want to do the best for this team and win as many games as we can."

Penguins Eliminated From Playoff Contention In 3-1 Loss To Blackhawks

Apr 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev (95) celebrates after scoring a third period empty net goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins at United Center. (Talia Sprague-Imagn Images)

Unfortunately for the Pittsburgh Penguins, they will be hitting the links early for the third consecutive season.

With a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, the Penguins were officially eliminated from playoff contention for the third consecutive season, which puts them just one season shy of the four-year non-playoff stretch from 2002-06.

For a franchise that has seen the success that Pittsburgh has, losing is not something the Crosby-era group, in particular, has been accustomed to. That's why it's important for the team to maintain the winning culture within their locker room as they transition to the next phase of young talent.

"Obviously, we're not where we want to be, and we all understand that," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "We know where we're at. We know where we want to go. We've got to keep working towards that, and that's what we're trying to do."

This one was a back-and-forth affair for a lot of the evening, as chances were traded throughout most of the game. Although the Penguins pressured at various points, Chicago capitalized on odd-man rushes and were able to get behind the Penguins' defense in the latter half. 

With just a minute and five seconds to go in the second period, the Blackhawks got a shorthanded two-on-one when Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson pinched to try to keep the play alive in the attacking zone. Frank Nazar capitalized to give Chicago the 1-0 lead. 

It's Only Been Six Games. But Rutger McGroarty Is The Real Deal.It's Only Been Six Games. But Rutger McGroarty Is The Real Deal.Yes, it's only been six NHL games for Pittsburgh Penguins rookie forward Rutger McGroarty.

Then, midway through the final frame - and after a flurry of Penguins' chances - Blackhawks forward Ilya Mikheyev managed to get behind Penguins' defenseman Conor Timmins for a breakaway, and he beat goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to put his team ahead, 2-0.

Rickard Rakell did add a power play goal a few minutes later for his 34th of the season - tying his career-high set in 2017-18 with the Anaheim Ducks - but it didn't prove enough, as Mikheyev added the empty-netter with 56 seconds left to secure the win.

"I just don't think we matched their energy," Nedeljkovic said. "I mean, the game was right there. I just think they had a little bit more juice than we did."

Apr 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) and Chicago Blackhawks center Teuvo Teravainen (86) battle for control of the puck during the first period at United Center. (Talia Sprague-Imagn Images)

Against one of the league's worst teams - as Nedeljkovic said - the Penguins just couldn't match the energy they had against two of the hottest teams in the league in their two games prior, when they took the St. Louis Blues to overtime Thursday and beat the Dallas Stars, 5-3, on Saturday

"We weren't even close to the team we were [Saturday]," Sullivan said. "It was one of those nights where we just didn't seem to have the energy. I didn't think we did as good a job managing it also. There's going to be some nights where, maybe, you don't have your legs or you don't have your A-game, so to speak. But you have to acknowledge it, recognize it, and manage the game appropriately and be yourself. I just didn't think we were diligent enough in that area."

In addition, captain Sidney Crosby's 12-game point streak drew to a close. During his streak, he registered 11 goals and 20 points.


Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!     

Sam Rinzel Earns First Career Point In Blackhawks 3-1 Win Over Penguins

Image

On Friday night, the Chicago Blackhawks were a part of history when they faced the Washington Capitals at home. In that game, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tied the all-time goals record set by Wayne Gretzky. 

Chicago had to follow that up with travel home to play a Sunday match against another legend in Sidney Crosby. The Pittsburgh Penguins are not an elite team anymore, but any squad with Crosby is dangerous on a given night.  

It looked like the Blackhawks and Penguins were going to make it to the second intermission scoreless but Frank Nazar had other ideas.

With under two minutes left in the middle frame, Nazar scored the first shorthanded goal of his NHL career. It was a great play by Teuvo Teravainen, finished off by Nazar for his 9th of the season. 

Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) on XChicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) on XFrank's first shorthanded goal, nbd🤷

Since coming up from the AHL, Nazar has been great. His speed and hard-working motor are noticeable on just about every shift. He needs to work on his finishing a bit more over the summer and in the future but you wouldn't be able to tell on this goal. 

In the third period, Connor Bedard made a great play to spring Ilya Mikheyev, who scored his 19th goal of the season. On the goal that made it 2-0 Chicago, Sam Rinzel earned his first career NHL point with an assist. 

Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) on XBlackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) on XRINZEL 1ST NHL POINT. BEDSY POINT. MICKEY GOAL. 🙌

Rinzel has been playing well for Chicago in all three zones. He was finally rewarded with a point, which will be the first of many. 

With the assist on Nazar's goal, Bedard became the 11th player in NHL history to have multiple 60+ point seasons as a teenager. Sidney Crosby and Patrik Laine are the only other two active players on the list.

In the final moments of regulation time, Mikheyev deposited his 20th of the season into an empty net. The Blackhawks took the 3-1 final to the bank. 

After some struggles to hang onto leads in recent weeks, it was good for the Hawks to get this one in the win column. They aren't going to the playoffs and they are in the mix for the draft lottery but it doesn't hurt for the young guys to hold a victory. 

Next up for Chicago is two games on the road. It starts with these Pittsburgh Penguins again back in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

LA Kings' Prospect Carter George Re-Assigned to the Ontario Reign

  © Andy Abeyta/The Dese   

Owen Sound Attack (Ontario Hockey League) goalie Carter George has been re-assigned to the Ontario Reign (American Hockey League).

The 18-year-old netminder compiled a stat line of 47 W 46 L 9 OTL  6 SOL and four shutouts in 113 games played with the Owen Sound Attack. 

George's quest for the J. Ross Robertson Cup was dashed by a four-game sweep at the hands of the London Knights.  George was virtually under siege in the 1st Round series, facing 42, 41, 39, and 53 shots respectively in the four games. 

Although the Los Angeles Kings are riding high with goalie Darcy Kuemper this season, the organization has sought to bolster its pipeline of young goalies over the past few years. George will join 24-year-old goalie Erik Portillo with the Reign, with both prospects hoping to be the future of LA Kings goaltending.

Portillo, who was acquired in a trade from Buffalo, made his NHL debut this season on November 29th. His 28 saves on 29 shots backed the Kings to a 2-1 win at Anaheim and the big Swede looked the part of somebody knocking at the door for a longer stint in the NHL.

Carter George was initially drafted by Owen Sound in 2022 and then in the 2nd round by Los Angeles in 2024. Therefore, George cannot play in the American Hockey League until he turns 20. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native would, however, be eligible to play with the Kings at the NHL-level. 

Panthers drop fifth straight, ending road trip with 2-1 loss in Detroit

Apr 6, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) lets in a goal as Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat (not pictured) scores during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. (Tim Fuller-Imagn Images)

A forgettable road trip has finally come to an end for the Florida Panthers.

Playing their second straight set of back-to-back games, the Panthers failed score in either game this weekend, dropping Sunday’s affair to the Detroit Red Wings 3-0.

Despite missing several key players, the Panthers looked like they were on top of their game during the opening 20 minutes.

Florida ended up with a 10-7 shot advantage on the Red Wings after the opening frame, but strong efforts from Vitek Vanecek for the Cats and Cam Talbot for the Wings kept the game scoreless.

An early second period power play would turn the tide in favor of the home team.

Alex DeBrincat converted a one-timer from Lucas Raymond to put Detroit up 1-0 at the 4:37 mark, sending the Little Caesar’s Arena fans into a frenzy.

The Red Wings doubled their lead about seven minutes later.

Crossing Florida’s blue line with sudden time and space. J.T. Compher snapped a wrist shot past Vanecek, giving Detroit a 2-0 lead they would carry into the final frame.

Rookie Mackie Samoskevich scored with under a minute left and Florida’s net empty, cutting the Red Wings’ lead in half, but that would be as close as the Cats would get.

On to Toronto and the final homestand of the season.

QUICK THOUGHTS

Florida’s five-game losing streak is the team’s longest of the season.

Samoskevich has two goals and three points over his past four games.

Anton Lundell assisted on Verhaeghe’s goal and overall has two helpers and 15 shots on goal over his past four games.

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Nils Höglander Returns To The Canucks Lineup Against The Vegas Golden Knights

Mar 18, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander (21) skates out as the game’s second star against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

The Vancouver Canucks will be getting a significant piece of their offence back when they face the Vegas Golden Knights. After missing the past six games with an injury, Nils Höglander will return to the lineup on Sunday night. Höglander will replace Jonathan Lekkerimäki, who had an assist during Vancouver's 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday. 

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The Canucks’ Record In Back-To-Backs This Season

Höglander was injured on March 22 when the Canucks fell 5-3 to the New York Rangers. In his absence, Vancouver went 3-2-1, which included their victory on Saturday night against the Ducks. With Höglander returning, Vancouver will have different lines than on Sunday, but those will be revealed closer to puck drop. 

This season, Höglander has six goals and 21 points in 66 games. After a slow start, the Swedish winger was finding his groove and had points in four of six games prior to his injury. In 287 career games with the Canucks, Höglander has 56 goals and 111 points, which ranks 12th `among skaters from the 2019 NHL Draft class. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

The Hockey News

Predators Top Prospect To Make NHL Debut Against Canadiens

Matthew Wood (© Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images)

The Nashville Predators are set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens on April 6. After losing each of their last five games, the Predators will be looking to end their skid against the Habs from here.

This is a game that Predators fans should certainly be tuning into, as top prospect Matthew Wood is set to make his NHL debut. The 6-foot-5 forward is expected to play on a line with Predators forwards Cole Smith and Michael McCarron. 

Predators Announce Roster Move Ahead Of Canadiens MatchupPredators Announce Roster Move Ahead Of Canadiens MatchupThe Nashville Predators will face off against the Montreal Canadiens on April 6. The Predators' goal for this matchup will be to snap their ongoing five-game losing streak.

Wood just signed his entry-level deal with the Predators on March 29, and now he is ready to make his debut. When noting that the Predators selected Wood with the 15th overall pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, he is viewed as having a ton of upside. Now, Predators fans will get to have their first look at him in the NHL during this contest against the Canadiens. 

Wood just completed his collegiate career with the University of Minnesota this season, where he had 17 goals, 22 assists, and 39 points. He spent the two previous years with the University of Connecticut, posting 27 goals and 62 points in 70 games.

With numbers like these at the collegiate level, it is hard not to feel excited about Wood's future with the Predators. It will be intriguing to see how much of an impact he makes in his debut with the club from here. 

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Nashville Predators vs. Montreal Canadiens: Live Game Thread

The Nashville Predators (27-41-8, 62 points) look to avoid a sixth straight loss as they host the Montreal Canadiens (37-30-9, 83 points) Sunday at Bridgestone Arena. 

The Predators are coming off a winless three-game road trip, most recently dropping a 5-1 decision to the Dallas Stars Thursday. The Canadiens, who currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, have won three straight heading into Sunday's game.

Michael Bunting, Nashville Predators

How the Predators Lined Up vs. Montreal

Bunting-O'Reilly-Evangelista
Forsberg-Stamkos-L'Heureux
Smith-McCarron-Wood
Bellows-Svechkov

Skjei-Blankenburg
Del Gaizo-Barron
Englund-Oesterle
Stastney

Saros
Annunen

Extra: Marchessault (day-to-day, lower-body), Sissons (week-to-week, upper-body)
IR: Josi, Wilsby, Lauzon

The Predators will ice 11 forwards and seven defensemen against Montreal. Defenseman Spencer Stastney, who missed Thursday's game against Dallas and was listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, returns to the lineup, while Colton Sissons (week-to-week) and Jonathan Marchessault (day-to-day) remain out with lower-body injuries.

Matthew Wood, the Predators' first-round pick (No. 15 overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft, will make his NHL debut with Nashville just over one week after signing his three-year, entry-level contract upon the conclusion of his final collegiate season at the University of Minnesota.

Juuse Saros will get the start in goal for the Predators after being pulled from his last start after two periods in Tuesday's 8-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Head coach Andrew Brunette, who is away from the team while he attends to a family matter, is replaced behind the bench by assistant coach Todd Richards.

Predators vs. Canadiens: Live Updates 

First Period (NSH 1, MTL 0)

Nashville scored first in this one, when Filip Forsberg forced a turnover in the offensive zone and found Steven Stamkos for the snipe at the 4:19 mark of the first period.

Michael McCarron appeared to score Nashville's second goal of the game approximately three minutes later, but a successful goaltender interference call by the Canadiens determined that Nick Blankenburg had in fact made contact with Jakub Dobes and the goal was waved off.