NASHVILLE--With the Sommet Center still reeking of beer from Wednesday night's Kiss concert, the Blackhawks held their morning skate Thursday morning in preparation for tonight's game against the Predators.
Defenseman Brent Seabrook, who missed the Hawks' previous two games with a concussion, is in the lineup. Not on the trip is captain Jonathan Toews, who also is suffering a concussion. According to coach Joel Quenneville, Toews did not skate again Thursday, making it highly doubtful he'll be in the lineup Friday when the Hawks host the Montreal Canadiens.
With Toews' absence, the Hawks are short a forward as they chose not recall anyone from Rockford of the American Hockey League. Defenseman Jordan Hendry will see some time at wing on the fourth line against Nashville.
Cristobal Huet will make his third consecutive start for the Hawks, who are 2-0 against the Predators this season, out-scoring them 5-1 in the process.
The Predators are a bit short-handed themselves and are playing the second of back-to-back games after defeating the Wild 4-3 in Minnesota on Wednesday night. Center Jason Arnott (arm) and winger Jordin Tootoo (quadriceps) are out for Nashville.
ONE-TIMERS: This is the third meeting between the teams in a 15-day span. ... Nashville is 1-3-0 at home while the Hawks are 2-1-0 on the road. The Predators are 16-10-6 at home all-time against the Hawks. ... Patrick Sharp is the Hawks' top scorer against Nasvhille with 10 goals and seven assists in 30 career games. ... In 16 games against the Predators, Patrick Kane has four goals and 12 assists.
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