Goalie Start
Saros is expected to start Saturday vs. the Islanders.
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Nashville Predators News
The Islanders have assigned Kieffer Bellows to Bridgeport (AHL).
Bellows was the No.19 overall pick in 2016 and enjoyed a solid preseason, but will start the season with Bridgeport. Bellows enjoyed a great year in Portland (WHL) last year, collecting 74 points (41G / 33A) in 56 games. Bellows and/or Josh Ho-Sang will likely be the first forwards called-up from the AHL.
The Rangers re-signed Brady Skjei to a six-year extension worth $31.5M ($5.25M AAV). - July 28th.
The Predators signed Juuse Saros to a three-year, $4.5M ($1.5M AAV) contract extension.
The Coyotes have acquired Jordan Oesterle, Marian Hossa, Vinnie Hinostroza and a 2019 3rd Round Pick from the Blackhawks for Marcus Kruger, Andrew Campbell, MacKenzie Entwistle, Jordan Maletta and a 2019 5th Round Pick.
The Blues have acquired Ryan O’Reilly from the Sabres for Tage Thompson, Vladimir Sobotka, Patrik Berglund, a 2019 first-round pick and a 2021 second-round pick.
The Panthers select Grigori Denisenko with the No.15 overall pick.
Denisenko is an extremely talented puck-handler, playmaker and has the ability to finishes chances on his own. Denisenko had nine goals and 13 assists (22 points) in 31 games in the MHL, the KHL’s minor league, while also adding five goals and two assists (seven points) in 12 playoff games. The 17-year-old added 11 points (6G / 5A) in 14 games to his International resume while playing for the Russian U-18 squad.
Line Change
Vrana will be a healthy scratch for Game 2.
Stamkos (lower-body) will be in the Lightning lineup for Game 1.
Stamkos (lower-body) practiced on Monday and is expected to play in Game 1.
Stamkos missed the final three games of the regular season but it was mostly just to ensure he would be ready for the start of the postseason. Stamkos had another good season, picking up 86 points (27G / 59A) in 78 games and will look forward to actually being healthy for the playoffs this season.
Marchessault (undisclosed) will be back in the Golden Knights lineup on Saturday.
Stamkos (lower-body) will miss the final two games of the regular season.
Stamkos will miss his second straight game with a lower-body injury and won’t play on Saturday either. This isn’t surprising as the Lightning obviously want their star centre to be good-to-go for the playoffs. The plan right now is to have Stamkos practice next week ahead of the postseason.
Goalie Start
Saros will start Thursday in Washington.
Goalie Start
Saros is expected to get the nod for the Predators on Thursday.
Marchessault will not be in the Golden Knights lineup on Tuesday.
Stamkos (lower-body) will not play on Tuesday.
Even though Tuesday’s game is really important for the Lightning, Stamkos just isn’t quite ready to play after re-aggravating a nagging lower-body injury on Sunday. With Stamkos out, Brayden Point will centre the Lighting’s top line with Nikita Kucherov and J.T. Miller.
Stamkos (lower-body) is questionable for Tuesday.
Stamkos left Sunday’s game against the Predators and did not return. Tomorrow is a crucial game for the Lightning as they play host to their Atlantic Division foe, the Boston Bruins. Monitor Stammer’s status during the Lightning’s morning skate, his availability for that should be directly related to his availability for the game.
Goalie Start
Saros led the Predators onto the ice for warmups.
Saros stopped six of seven shots in the Predators loss to the Sabres last night. Saros finished the month at 3-0-2 with a 2.76 GAA and .919 SV% and he starts April with his second start of the year vs. the Lightning—he allowed four goals on 31 shots in a 4-3 OT loss to Tampa Bay in late-January.
Forsberg (rest) is not on the ice for warmups; will not play Saturday.
Forsberg may be rested by the Predators on Saturday.
With Eeli Tolvanen set to make his NHL debut, Forsberg is expected to take a seat tonight. Tolvanen will take his spot on the top line with Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson.
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