The big news heading into tonight’s Nashville Predators vs New York Islanders tilt is that winger Viktor Stalberg is being re-activated from Injured Reserve, and is likely to play tonight.
Signed to a 4-year, $12 million contract on the first day of free agency this summer, Stalberg is hoped to be a leading offensive force for the Predators this season.
Gabriel Bourque will also return to the lineup (per Willy Daunic’s tweet), after being scratched for the 4-0 shutout vs Toronto on Thursday. Now the choices get a lot more interesting. With two forwards to pick, who gets scratched tonight? For my money, it would be Nick Spaling & Rich Clune, but what do I know…
Predators vs Islanders TV
Tonight’s game will not be broadcast by the Predators, so you’ll have to tune into MSG Plus. Fortunately, even if you don’t have NHL Center Ice, there’s a free preview running on most cable/satellite providers through October 19th, so check your guide.
Fun Facts
The Islanders and Predators PR staff forward the following items of interest related to tonight’s game:
Shootout Leaders: Best shootout percentage among active players (minimum 15 shots): 1. Matt Hendricks NSH (9/15) 60.0% 2. Matt Moulson NYI (8/15) 53.3% 3. Frans Nielsen NYI (25/47) 53.2%
— Islanders PR
Eric Nystrom’s father, Bob, has his No. 23 retired by the Islanders. The elder Nystrom was known as “Mr. Islander” in the early 1980s after recording the 1980 Stanley Cup-clinching goal at 7:11 of overtime in Game 6 against the Philadelphia Flyers. It was the first Stanley Cup in franchise history and first of four straight Cups for the Isles.
— Predators PR
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