The Nashville Predators look to build on their strong outing in Montreal by taking on the Carolina Hurricanes at the RBC Center in Raleigh. The Predators are coming off a 3-0 shutout of the Canadiens on Thursday night. The Hurricanes dropped a 5-4 shootout decision to the Pittsburgh penguins on Friday night in Pittsburgh.
The Predators will be without the services of Ryan Suter, who has returned to Nashville to have his injured knee re-evaluated. Suter and his wife are also expecting their first child, and the birth is imminent. Because of these factors, the team decided to allow him to return to home. The worrisome aspect is that Suter's knee is still continuing to swell and give him problems. According to the coaching staff, an MRI has revealed no damage, but there is still a problem that must be addressed.
David Legwand will also miss tonight's game with a lower body injury. He did not skate at the morning skate as the injury he suffered against Montreal is more severe than first thought. Legwand was checked and went awkwardly into the boards in the first period. He did not return to the game after the hit. According to the coaching staff this morning, there is a good possibility he will also miss at least the Monday game against Columbus.
Tuumo Ruutu was injured late in the game for the Hurricanes in their contest with the Penguins. The extent of his injury is unknown and it has not been determined if he will play tonight.
Pekka Rinne is expected to get the start for the Predators. Cam Ward is expected to start for the Hurricanes.
With the loss of Legwand, Colin Wilson is expected to move off the wing and back to a center position.
Nashville enters the contest with a record of 8-6-3. Carolina is 9-9-1. Both teams are very similar over the past ten games, with Nashville logging a 4-6 record; Carolina is 4-5-1.
The puck drops at 7:00.
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