Boston hosts Nashville in a contest of two teams that are still looking to solidify their playoff spots in the 2017 NHL postseason. The Predators are essentially waiting to see their tickets punched. Barring a huge collapse down the stretch, the team still has an outside shot to get a two seed in the Central division.
However, the Bruins are in a much more dicier situation as they only have the second wild card spot secure by one point in the East. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 PM Eastern time on Tuesday night and the game will be broadcast on NHL.tv, FSN Tennessee, and NESN.
Predators (39-25-11, 89 points, 3rd Central)
Nashville has been cruising with seven wins in their last eight contests. That stretch had brought them out of the depths of wild card hunting and into a position where they can finish in the top three of their division. They still haven't locked a position up, but just a few more wins would do the trick. Their four-game winning streak includes a dominant 7-2 victory over a reeling San Jose squad.
Center Ryan Johansen (58 pts) has recorded three points in the past two games. He recorded a goal against the Islanders last time out and rounded up two assists in the blowout over the Sharks.
Bruins (39-30-6, 84 points, 4th Atlantic)
Boston is looking for revenge after falling to Nashville 2-1 back on January 12th.
They're hoping to get it and continue a long winning streak after suffering four straight losses before halting the skid with a 2-1 win over the Islanders. The losing stretch included the back-end of a four-game road trip and two consecutive games at home. The Bruins' most critical loss was to Tampa Bay, a team that's just one point shy of taking their spot in the wild card.
Left wing Brad Marchand (80 pts) hasn't recorded a goal or assist in the last four games. Center David Krejci (50 pts) is probable for the upcoming contest after leaving practice early due to an upper-body injury. He last recorded a goal against Ottawa one week ago.
Nashville has won the last three meetings against Boston. The Bruins are listed as a -173 favorite at home. They're 5-1 in their last six games against Western Conference foes.
