The Sharks and Predators were projected to roll out their line combinations on April 13 with both teams still sorting key pieces before puck drop. Alexandar Nedeljkovic was in the starter’s crease for San Jose at the morning skate, while Nashville coach Andrew Brunette had not named a starter and said the decision would be made at game time.
San Jose’s first line was listed as Igor Chernyshov, Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, with William Eklund, Alexander Wennberg and Kiefer Sherwood on the second line. Collin Graf, Michael Misa and Tyler Toffoli were projected on the third line, and Barclay Goodrow, Zack Ostapchuk and Adam Gaudette on the fourth. Pavol Regenda, Philipp Kurashev, John Klingberg, Ty Dellandrea and Nick Leddy were scratched.
Nashville’s top unit was projected to feature Steven Stamkos, Ryan O’Reilly and Luke Evangelista, followed by Filip Forsberg, Matthew Wood and Jonathan Marchessault on the second line. Zachary L’Heureux, Erik Haula and Joakim Kemell were listed on the third line, with Reid Schaefer, Fedor Svechkov and Tyson Jost on the fourth. Juuse Saros was not identified as the starter, and Annunen was in the starter’s crease at the Predators’ morning skate.
The morning skate also offered a clearer read on Nashville’s health. Hague took part after missing the Predators’ past four games, while Josi did not participate. That leaves Brunette with one lineup decision still open at the most important position on the ice, and with both clubs already revealing plenty about how they intend to attack the Sharks vs predators matchup.