Predators at Penguins
THE STORY: The Pittsburgh Penguins can punch a ticket to the playoffs when they host the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. The Penguins need a single point to clinch a sixth straight playoff berth. The Predators are also in the hunt for the postseason, sitting fifth in the Western Conference standings. This is the only meeting between the teams. Nashville has won two of its last three meetings with Pittsburgh.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network (U.S.), FSN (Nashville), Root (Pittsburgh)
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (42-23-8): Forward Alexander Radulov officially rejoined the team Wednesday. Radulov boarded a flight Tuesday morning for Nashville and addressed the media with Predators general manager David Poile after practice Wednesday. The 25-year-old right wing left Nashville in 2008 despite having one year remaining on his entry-level deal. He scored 44 goals in two seasons for the Predators before leaving for Russia. Radulov, who was the 15th overall pick by Nashville in the 2004 draft, had 25 goals and 38 assists with Ufa Salavat Yulayev of the KHL this season. He will travel with the team to Pittsburgh, where he and coach Barry Trotz will decide if he plays or waits until Saturday's home game against Winnipeg.
ABOUT THE PENGUINS (45-21-6): The Penguins had a chance to clinch a playoff spot without even being on the ice, but the Buffalo Sabres prevailed 3-0 over the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday to spoil the party for at least another day. The Penguins have won 12 of their last 13 games thanks to a boost from Sidney Crosby. The captain has nine assists and a plus-7 rating in four games since his return from concussion-like symptoms on March 15
OVERTIME:
1. Radulov still has one year remaining on his entry-level NHL deal and will become a restricted free agent July 1.
2. Predators center Paul Gaustad (wrist) and defenseman Roman Josi (upper body) are questionable.
3. The Penguins have won eight straight home games, the longest active streak in the League.