The Nashville Predators begin their second-round series against the San Jose Sharks without Craig Smith in the lineup as he is a scratch with a lower-body injury; in steps Eric Nystrom.
Forward Pontus Aberg was recalled earlier on Friday, but he won’t make his NHL debut against the Sharks.
It is indeed Eric Nystrom in the lineup over Pontus Aberg. Craig Smith, lower-body injury, also out. #Preds #NSHvsSJS
— Thomas Willis (@TomAWillis) April 30, 2016
Smith missed two games with a lower-body injury in round-one against the Ducks but returned for Game 6 and Game 7. Smith did not participate in the team’s morning skate for maintenance purposes.
Smith had one goal and one helper in the seven game series against Anaheim.
Let’s see how this all plays out.