Smith has not played since December 21st, missing 11 straight games, but is nearing a return to the lineup. The 29-year-old Smith was averaging 13:03 time-on-ice and has five points (2G / 3A) in 34 games before his injury.
Smith has not played since December 21st, missing 11 straight games, but is nearing a return to the lineup. The 29-year-old Smith was averaging 13:03 time-on-ice and has five points (2G / 3A) in 34 games before his injury.
Haula has played through some injuries this season and continues to be sidelined on a week-to-week basis with an ankle sprain. The 33-year-old Finnish forward is averaging 14:27 time-on-ice, recording 11 points (5G / 6A), 22 blocks, and 67 hits in 42 games this season.
The Predators snapped a two-game losing skid on Tuesday with Justus Annunen between the pipes in a 5-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights but will return to Saros on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Saros struggled in his most recent outing, allowing three goals on 15 shots (.800 SV%) in a 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals. The 29-year-old Saros has a 2.78 GAA and .903 SV% in 33 appearances this season (9-18-6). The Predators enter Thursday's contest as sizeable -253 home favorites against a Blackhawks club amid a three-game losing skid (0-3-0).
The Predators snapped a two-game losing skid on Tuesday with Justus Annunen between the pipes in a 5-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights but will return to Saros on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Saros struggled in his most recent outing, allowing three goals on 15 shots (.800 SV%) in a 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals. The 29-year-old Saros has a 2.78 GAA and .903 SV% in 33 appearances this season (9-18-6). The Predators enter Thursday's contest as sizeable -253 home favorites against a Blackhawks club amid a three-game losing skid (0-3-0).
Annunen will make just his sixth start as a Predator when Nashville hosts the Golden Knights on Tuesday. The 24-year-old netminder was excellent his last time out, allowing just a single goal on 32 shots in a 4-1 victory in Calgary. He boasts an impressive .930 SV% and a 3-2-0 record since being acquired from the Avalanche. He's e's got a good shot at staying in the win column on Tuesday as the Predators enter action at +110 on the money line.
Oesterle will be the odd-man out on the Bruins blue-line on Tuesday. Michael Callahan will make his NHL debut in Oesterle's place. Oesterle has zero goals and three assists in 17 games this season.
Bunting did not play on Sunday after being involved in a minor car accident prior to the game, but will draw back into the lineup on Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken. The 29-year-old Bunting has 25 points (13G / 12A) in 43 games this season. He has been extremely productive lately, scoring 18 points (9G / 9A) in his last 19 games.
Englund will sit to make room for the return of Joel Edmundson (upper-body). Englund has one goal and zero assists in 11 games this season.
