Nashville @ Florida preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 19, 2019 ) Florida 4, Nashville 2

The Nashville Predators rebounded after losing four of five contests to post strong defensive performances in a pair of victories heading into the All-Star break. The Predators bid to continue that momentum on Friday when they visit the Florida Panthers, who answered a seven-game losing skid (0-5-2) with three straight wins -- including a 4-2 decision in Music City on Jan. 19.

Vincent Trocheck returned following a 27-game absence due to a broken ankle to register four points in his last three contests, including a goal and an assist against Nashville. "It's been tough for us this year in that department," the 25-year-old Trocheck said. "To go into a break like this with a little bit of momentum, having some fun, it's going to make a big difference for the second half." The Predators also changed their tune after the setback to Florida, with Nick Bonino repeating his feat of scoring and setting up a goal in a 4-1 win at Colorado before extending his goal-scoring streak to three games in a 2-1 triumph at Vegas. Ryan Johansen has six of his club-best 34 assists and seven of his team-leading 43 points over his last seven contests, although he missed the meeting with the Panthers while serving a two-game suspension.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Tennessee (Nashville), FS Florida

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (30-18-4): Pekka Rinne, who sits one win shy from tying Harry Lumley (330) for 24th place on the league's career list, surrendered a staggering 14 goals during a three-match losing skid before turning 35 shots against the Avalanche. Fellow Finn Juuse Saros, conversely, posted a 4-1-0 mark with one shutout and a rail-thin 1.47 goals-against average in six appearances last month as he battles for additional playing time. "We wanted to finish strong in these last two road games and be happy about our game and taking a next step. I think these were good games and now we've just got to get better," said Saros, who owns a 7-3-1 record on the road this season.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (20-20-8): Frank Vatrano extended his goal-scoring streak to three games after recording a career-high four points (one goal, three assists) in a 6-2 win over San Jose on Jan. 21. The 24-year-old has 11 points (six goals, five assists) in his last 11 games after mustering just 15 in his previous 36. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad is heating up once again after registering just one point in his previous five contests, answering scoring and setting up a goal versus the Predators with another tally versus the Sharks.

OVERTIME

1. Florida C Jonathan Huberdeau has just two of his club-best 37 assists and three of his team-best 49 points in his last eight games.

2. Nashville C Kyle Turris (lower body) and RW Miikka Salomaki (upper body) could return to the lineup on Friday after being sidelined since Dec. 27 and Jan. 4, respectively.

3. The Panthers placed injured F Jamie McGinn on waivers Thursday.

PREDICTION: Predators 3, Panthers 2