Hurricanes at Predators
THE STORY: The Nashville Predators attempt to continue their recent dominance over Carolina when they host the Hurricanes at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday. Nashville has won five consecutive meetings with Carolina and is 6-0-1 in the last seven matchups. The Predators have been playing well against all teams of late as they have won nine of 13 overall and seven of nine at home. Despite going 4-2-1 over their last seven contests, the Hurricanes have lost five straight on the road and 14 of 20 overall.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN (Carolina)
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (14-21-7): Captain Eric Staal has collected three goals and eight points over his last four games. The 27-year old registered his third multi-point performance during that stretch by notching a goal and two assists in Friday's 4-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Staal has struggled against the Predators during his career, however, recording only one assist in six games. Jeff Skinner missed his 12th consecutive game with a concussion but began to practice with the team this week. The reigning Calder Trophy winner is hoping to return to action very soon. "He's obviously anxious to get back in the lineup," coach Kirk Muller said. "You're not going to replace him as far as what he brings. We're a better team with him in there."
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (21-15-4): Shea Weber returned to the lineup Thursday against the team that put him on the sidelines, and Jordin Tootoo sought retribution against the player that put Nashville's captain out of commission, fighting Dallas defenseman Mark Fistric less than two minutes into the Predators' 4-2 loss. "He knew what the situation was right off the bat," Tootoo said. "It's a little retribution to get the boys fired up." Tootoo recorded an assist, giving him a career-high 19 points.
OVERTIME:
1. Carolina has not defeated Nashville in regulation since posting a 2-1 road triumph on Dec. 3, 2002.
2. The Predators have won 13 of 17 games against Southeast Division opponents while the Hurricanes have lost 11 of 15 versus the Central.