Stastney was a fifth-round pick of the Predators in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. The 24-year-old defenseman played 20 games with the Predators last season, scoring four points (2G / 2A). He has split time between the NHL and AHL this season and has three points (1G / 2A) in 10 games with Milwaukee (AHL).
The Predators will somewhat surprisingly stick with Annunen between the pipes on Thursday. Annunen relieved Juuse Saros at home against the Sharks on Tuesday and guided them to a come from behind victory, allowing just one goal on 16 shots. Annunen has arguably outplayed Saros since being acquired from the Avalanche, posting a 5-2-0 record and a .924 SV% across eight appearances. He's a good bet to stay in the win column on Thursday as the Predators enter action at -225 on the money line.
Smith has been sidelined since December 21st with a lower-body injury he suffered while blocking a shot. He'll replace Mark Jankowski, who is out week-to-week, on the Nashville fourth line.
The Predators are riding a three-game winning streak and will likely roll with Saros between the pipes on Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks. Saros was stellar in his most recent outing, saving 27 of 29 shots (.931 SV%) in a 6-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. The 29-year-old netminder has a 2.72 GAA and .904 SV% in 35 games this season (11-18-6). The Predators enter Tuesday's contest as humungous -372 home favorites against a Sharks squad outscored 14-5 during a three-game losing skid (0-3-0).
With Tyler Myers serving the first game of his three-game suspension, Friedman will enter the lineup for the Canucks. Friedman has 91 games of NHL experience, including three games with Vancouver this season, but has primarily played at the AHL level the past several seasons. The 29-year-old defenseman has six points (1G / 5A) in 20 games with the Abbotsford Canucks (AHL) this season.
The Predators are riding a three-game winning streak and will likely roll with Saros between the pipes on Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks. Saros was stellar in his most recent outing, saving 27 of 29 shots (.931 SV%) in a 6-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. The 29-year-old netminder has a 2.72 GAA and .904 SV% in 35 games this season (11-18-6). The Predators enter Tuesday's contest as humungous -372 home favorites against a Sharks squad outscored 14-5 during a three-game losing skid (0-3-0).
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.
Friedman has 91 games of NHL experience, including three games with Vancouver this season, but has primarily played at the AHL level the past several seasons. The 29-year-old defenseman has six points (1G / 5A) in 20 games with the Abbotsford Canucks (AHL) this season.
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.
Jankowski was limited to only 1:16 time-on-ice before exiting Saturday's 6-2 win over the Minnesota Wild due to an upper-body injury. The 30-year-old Jankowski is averaging 12:44 time-on-ice and has eight points (3G / 5A) in 37 games this season.
Jankowski was limited to only 1:16 time-on-ice before exiting Saturday's 6-2 win over the Minnesota Wild due to an upper-body injury. The 30-year-old Jankowski is averaging 12:44 time-on-ice and has eight points (3G / 5A) in 37 games this season.
