Stars and Predators Prepare for Central Division Clash

The Dallas Stars and the Nashville Predators are set to face off tonight at Bridgestone Arena in a Central Division showdown. Both teams are coming off games yesterday, making this a back-to-back challenge for each. The Stars edged out the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2, while the Predators secured a 5-4 shootout victory against the Los Angeles Kings.

Stars' Projected Lineup

After snapping a four-game losing streak with their win against Carolina, the Stars look to continue their momentum. However, they will be without key forward Roope Hintz, who sustained an injury in Saturday's game. Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene, and Nils Lundkvist also remain on the injured list. Kyle Capobianco was recalled from the Texas Stars. Here's the projected lineup:

• Forwards:
  • Sam Steel - Wyatt Johnston - Mikko Rantanen
  • Jason Robertson - Tyler Seguin - Mavrik Bourque
  • Adam Erne - Oskar Back - Colin Blackwell
  • Justin Hryckowian - Radek Faksa - Nathan Bastian
• Defense:
  • Esa Lindell - Miro Heiskanen
  • Thomas Harley - Ilya Lyubushkin
  • Lian Bichsel - Alexander Petrovic
• Goaltenders:
  • Casey DeSmith
  • Jake Oettinger

Predators' Projected Lineup

The Predators are riding a two-game winning streak after defeating the Vancouver Canucks and the Kings. They aim to extend their success against a divisional rival. Captain Roman Josi is out with an upper-body injury. Here’s how the Predators are expected to line up:

• Forwards:
  • Filip Forsberg - Ryan O'Reilly - Matthew Wood
  • Steven Stamkos - Fedor Svechkov - Luke Evangelista
  • Michael Bunting - Erik Haula - Jonathan Marchessault
  • Cole Smith - Michael McCarron - Ozzy Wiesblatt
• Defense:
  • Adam Wilsby - Nicholas Hague
  • Brady Skjei - Nick Perbix
  • Spencer Stastney - Justin Barron
• Goaltenders:
  • Justus Annunen
  • Juuse Saros

Players to Watch

For the Stars, Miro Heiskanen is coming off a two-goal performance against the Hurricanes. Wyatt Johnston leads the Stars in goals this season with five. Ryan O'Reilly had two goals and an assist in the Predator's win against the Kings. Filip Forsberg also had a goal and assist in that game.

Goalie Matchup

Juuse Saros made 36 saves in the shootout win against the Kings. Justus Annunen could start for the Predators. Jake Oettinger made 26 saves in the Star's win against the Hurricanes. Casey DeSmith is also available.

Game Details

The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FDSNSO and Victory+.