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Trouble brewing for Predators? James Neal to IR

Nashville Predators v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 20: James Neal #18 of the Nashvile Predators prepares to skate against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on December 20, 2016 in Newark, New Jersey. The Predators defeated the Devils 5-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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The Nashville Predators aren’t hopeless, but they’re also in a tough spot ... which includes being out of the playoffs if they began today.

To make matters worse, P.K. Subban’s injury isn’t their only health concern. The Predators announced that they placed James Neal on injured reserve while calling up Frederick Gaudreau on Saturday.

Neal joins some other forwards who are dealing with issues of varying severity, including Colin Wilson and Viktor Arvidsson.

Neal is expected to miss at least the next two games. Things get dicey after Nashville’s next three, as they’ll face a five-game road trip from Jan. 14-22. Having Neal’s scoring punch - he leads the Predators with 14 goals this season - could be crucial in getting over the hump during that haul.