Down 2-1 in their second-round series against the Winnipeg Jets, the Nashville Predators are shuffling the deck ahead of Game 4 on Thursday evening. Veteran forward Scott Hartnell is expected to draw into the lineup for just his second game of these playoffs, while Kevin Fiala is expected to sit.
Hartnell last suited up for Nashville in Game 5 of their first-round series against the Colorado Avalanche, posting zero points in the 2-1 loss. The 36-year-old posted 13 goals and 24 points through 62 regular-season tilts for Nashville this season.
Fiala — a 20-plus goal scorer for the Predators in 2017-18 — has four points through nine post-season games during his club’s current run, including the double-overtime game-winner in what was Nashville’s only victory against Winnipeg thus far.
Asked what he hopes to contribute should he return on Thursday night, Hartnell said he understands his role.
“I’m going to play my game, get up in the play and get physical,” he said. “I’m not looking to start anything, but I’m most effective when I’m playing a physical brand of hockey, especially in front of the net. … This is my second game in a month. This series has been so fast that I need to do everything I can to make sure I don’t get caught out there with the difference in speed.”
He also spoke of playing in front of a raucous Winnipeg crowd.
“I’m just going to enjoy it,” he said. “This is what it’s all about. This is what you play for, to get in and try to make something happen.”
Defender Yannick Weber is also expected to slot in for Alexei Emelin in Game 4. Weber hasn’t played since March 24, while Emelin has zero points through nine playoff appearances so far.
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