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Deadline pickups Franson, Santorelli likely in for Preds after sitting Game 1

Dallas Stars v Nashville Predators

Dallas Stars v Nashville Predators

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After blowing a 3-0 lead and losing their series opener against Chicago in OT, the Predators appear to be making some lineup changes.

Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli, acquired from Toronto just prior to the trade deadline, look as though they’ll play tonight after sitting out Game 1. Franson, who had been dealing with an upper-body injury that lingered from the regular season, said he feels ready to get back into action for the first time since Apr. 9.

As for Santorelli, an injury to Mike Fisher looks as though it’ll play in his favor. Head coach Peter Laviolette wouldn’t confirm the move, but it’s expected Santorelli -- who’s posted four points (one goal, three assists) in 22 games with Nashville -- will get in ahead of ’14 first-rounder Kevin Fiala, who also sat out Game 1.

“He brings a lot of speed to the lineup,” Laviolette said of Santorelli, per The Tennessean. “He’s capable of contributing offensively. He’s a reliable player. We can use him on the penalty kill. I think he’s been an effective player for us in the role we’ve asked him to play in. If Mike gets in there, tonight, we have no question he’ll be able to do the job.”