Kieffer Bellows will be a healthy scratch on Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks, allowing Vrana to re-enter the lineup. The 29-year-old Vrana has one goal and is averaging 11:40 time-on-ice in four games with the Predators.
The Predators have been outscored 7-2 in their last three games (0-2-1) and will likely turn to Annunen between the pipes on Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks. The 25-year-old Annunen was excellent in his most recent outing but didn't receive any goal support, saving 20 of 21 shots (.952 SV%) in a 1-0 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings. He has a 2.93 GAA and .900 SV% in 15 games with the Predators this season (8-5-1). The Predators enter Thursday's contest as -166 home favorites against a Ducks squad coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars.
Vrana will be the odd-man out up-front for the Predators when they host the Blues on Tuesday. Luke Evangelista will draw back into the lineup in Vrana's place.
Oesterle will be the odd-man out on the Predators blue-line when they host the Blues on Tuesday. Spencer Stastney will play in his place.
Stastney will slot right back into the Predators lineup after sitting out Saturday's game in Los Angeles. Jordan Oesterle will sit in his place.
The struggling Predators have only scored only goal in their previous two games (0-1-1) and will turn to Saros between the pipes on Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. Saros had a light night in his most recent outing, saving 13 of 15 shots (.867 SV%), but did not receive ample goal support in a 2-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The 29-year-old goalie has a 2.92 GAA and .897 SV% in 49 games this season (16-26-6). The Predators enter Tuesday's contest as +102 home underdogs against a Blues club that has outscored their opposition 12-3 during a two-game winning streak.
The struggling Predators have only scored only goal in their previous two games (0-1-1) and will likely turn to Saros between the pipes on Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. Saros had a light night in his most recent outing, saving 13 of 15 shots (.867 SV%), but did not receive ample goal support in a 2-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The 29-year-old goalie has a 2.92 GAA and .897 SV% in 49 games this season (16-26-6). The Predators enter Tuesday's contest as +102 home underdogs against a Blues club that has outscored their opposition 12-3 during a two-game winning streak.
Evangelista did not play the previous game for the Predators but he will draw back into the lineup on Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. The 23-year-old forward is averaging 13:15 time-on-ice and has 19 points (6G / 13A) in 52 games this season.
Bunting was acquired by the Predators in a trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins before the deadline last week and looks set to finally make his debut with the team as he approaches his return from an appendectomy. The 29-year-old Bunting had 29 points (14G / 15A) and a -18 plus/minus rating in 58 games with Pittsburgh this season.
The Predators will turn to Saros between the pipes for the 49th time this season when they visit the Ducks on Friday. Saros picked up a third consecutive victory in his last outing, stopping 25 of the 27 shots he faced in a 3-2 win in San Jose on Tuesday. The three-game winning streak has been a welcomed change of events for Saros, who was struggled this season to the tune of a 16-25-6 record and an .897 SV%. He's a good bet to stay in the win column on Friday, as the Preds enter action at -150 on the money line.
Bunting was acquired by the Predators in a trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins before the deadline last week and could finally make his debut with the team as he approaches his return from an appendectomy. The 29-year-old Bunting had 29 points (14G / 15A) and a -18 plus/minus rating in 58 games with Pittsburgh this season.
Saros will make his 48th start of the season when the Predators travel to San Jose to take on the Sharks on Tuesday. Saros picked up a second consecutive victory in his last outing, allowing three goals on 25 shots in a 5-3 win over the Kraken on Thursday. Nashville's franchise netminder has endured a challenging season, posting a 15-25-6 record and just an .897 SV%. Thankfully for Saros, he's got a good chance of staying in the win column on Tuesday as the Preds enter action at -165 on the money line.
