Nashville Predators News

Annunen has won his last four starts and will return to the crease on Friday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 24-year-old Annunen allowed five goals on 35 shots (.857 SV%) in his most recent outing but was able to shut the door when needed to secure a 6-5 victory over the San Jose Sharks. He has been solid since joining the Predators, posting a 2.65 GAA and .914 SV% through nine appearances (6-2-0). The Predators enter Friday's contest as -116 road favorites against a Sabres squad coming off a 7-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

Gravel has worked his way into Nashville's lineup for three games this season, recording an assist, but has spent most of the 2024-25 campaign in the AHL. The 32-year-old defenseman has 12 points (3G / 9A) in 35 games with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) this season.

Evangelista has not played since January 7th due to a lower-body injury and could return to the lineup on Friday against the Buffalo Sabres. Before his injury, the 22-year-old Evangelista had 14 points (4G / 10A) in 39 games this season.

With Juuse Saros battling an illness, the Predators have recalled Murray from the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) to serve as Justus Annuen's backup. The 26-year-old Murray has a 2.31 GAA and .927 SV% in 23 games with Milwaukee this season (13-7-3).

Saros is battling an injury and might be sidelined in Friday's contest against the Buffalo Sabres. Justus Annunen was in the starter's crease at Nashville's morning skate on Friday, indicating that an EBUG will likely be his backup if Saros cannot suit up.

Annunen has won his last four starts and will likely return to the crease on Friday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 24-year-old Annunen allowed five goals on 35 shots (.857 SV%) in his most recent outing but was able to shut the door when needed to secure a 6-5 victory over the San Jose Sharks. He has been solid since joining the Predators, posting a 2.65 GAA and .914 SV% through nine appearances (6-2-0). The Predators enter Friday's contest as -116 road favorites against a Sabres squad coming off a 7-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

With Charlie McAvoy returning from an undisclosed injury, Oesterle will be sidelined as a healthy scratch. The 32-year-old Oesterle is averaging 17:34 time-on-ice and has five points (0G / 5A) in 21 games this season.

The Predators are coming off a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks when Saros allowed five goals on 35 shots (.857 SV%), but he will return to the crease on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. The 29-year-old Saros has allowed three or more goals in seven of his last 11 appearances (4-5-1), posting an ugly .865 SV%. The Predators enter Wednesday's contest as -146 home favorites against a Canucks squad on a two-game winning streak.

The Predators are coming off a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks when Saros allowed five goals on 35 shots (.857 SV%), but he will likely return to the crease on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. The 29-year-old Saros has allowed three or more goals in seven of his last 11 appearances (4-5-1), posting an ugly .865 SV%. The Predators enter Wednesday's contest as -146 home favorites against a Canucks squad on a two-game winning streak.

Gravel has spent most of the 2024-25 campaign in the AHL but played three games with the Predators earlier this season, recording one point (0G / 1A). He has 12 points (3G / 9A) in 35 games with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) this season.

Bellows was the 19th overall pick of the New York Islanders in the 2016 NHL Draft. He has not played an NHL game since the 2022-23 season and has 22 points (12G / 10A) in 31 games with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) this season.

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.

Oesterle will take a seat on Thursday as the Bruins look to get some fresh legs into the lineup for the tail-end of their back-to-back. Michael Callahan will draw into the lineup in his place.

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.