Chicago Blackhawks (7–7–4) at Nashville Predators (9–6–3)

7 p.m. CST
Bridgestone Arena
TV/Radio: NBCSN/WGN

Projected starting goaltenders

Chicago — Robin Lehner (4–3–2, .934 save percentage, 2.51 goals against average)
Nashville — Pekka Rinne (8–2–2, .907 save percentage, 2.60 goals against average)

Team statistics

Power play
Chicago (14.3%, 25th)
Nashville (20.6%, 14th)

Penalty kill
Chicago (78.3%, 20th)
Nashville (75.0%, 25th)

Shots for/against
Chicago (30.5, 19th; 37.1, 30th)
Nashville (32.4, 15th; 29.7, Third)

Shooting percentage
Chicago (8.60%)
Nashville (9.1%)

Face off percentage
Chicago (48.5%, 25th)
Nashville (50.9%, Ninth)

Average height and weight
Chicago — 6-foot-1, 197 pounds
Nashville — 6-foot-0, 198 pounds

Projected lines and pairings

Chicago Blackhawks

Brandon Saad — Jonathan Toews —  Alexander Nylander
Alex DeBrincat — Dylan Strome — Patrick Kane
Dominik Kubalik — David Kampf — Andrew Shaw
Ryan Carpenter — Kirby Dach — Zack Smith

Duncan Keith —  Erik Gustafsson
Calvin de Haan — Brent Seabrook
Olli Maatta — Connor Murphy

Nashville Predators

Filip Forsberg — Ryan Johansen — Mikael Granlund
Calle Jarnkrok— Matt Duchene — Viktor Arvidsson
Rocco Grimaldi — Nick Bonino — Craig Smith
Austin Watson— Kyle Turris —Colton Sissons

Roman Josi — Ryan Ellis
Mattias Ekholm — Dante Fabbro
Dan Hamhuis — Yannick Weber

Analysis

After defeating the Vegas Golden Knights for the first time in franchise history, the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to rectify their previous loss to the Nashville Predators. Since the embarrassing loss to the Predators, the Blackhawks have become a more offensive-minded team. The team has averaged three goals per game since October 29th and their offensive stars have played like stars. Patrick Kane has 11 points in his last five games recording three points in the Blackhawks the last win against Vegas. Along with Kane, fellow linemates, Alex Debrincat (7 points in his last five games) and Dylan Strome (8 points in the last five games) have gotten going offensively as well. In addition to heating up offensively, the Blackhawks winning streak has been anchored by excellent goal-tending.

Last time out, it was Corey Crawford with the exceptional play. He made 39 saves on 42 shots in the win against the Vegas. In the Blackhawks goalie rotation, it will Robin Lehner’s turn against the Nashville Predators. Lehner had 53 saves in his last start against Toronto and figures to be very busy again tonight. In their last meeting, Lehner made 48 saves in a 3-0 loss to the Predators on October 29th. The defense for the Blackhawks will also get a boost with the return of Connor Murphy. Murphy figures to help improve the defense and shots allowed in this contest. Adam Boqvist was sent down to Rockford to make room for Murphy.

Since defeating the Blackhawks, the Predators have fallen on hard times. The Predators have one win in their last six games and are currently riding a three-game losing streak.  The issue plaguing the Predators is their goaltending. Pekkia Rinne has been awful as of late. In his last two starts, he has allowed nine goals on 47 shots. In addition, Jusse Saros has played better than Rinne but not good enough to win games.

The good news for the Predators is that they are returning home for the first time in four games and have played much better at home than on the road. The offensive factor of the Predators could be Filip Forsberg, who has six points on his last five games and has been good against the Blackhawks for his career. He has 14 points in 21 games against the Blackhawks.

Can the Blackhawks show up in the Nashville or will the Predators confidence return at home?