NBCSN’s coverage of the 2018-19 NHL season continues with Thursday night’s matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN. You can watch the game online and on the NBC Sports app by clicking here.
The Nashville Predators could end up being one of the biggest buyers during the impending trade deadline, but as far as Thursday’s concerned, they hope to beat the Los Angeles Kings.
If Nashville wins this game, they’d climb over the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the Central Division, at least for a little while.
[More on the Predators having the Central in their sights]
The Kings are on a five-game losing streak, so it will be a challenge to keep their heads high entering a four-game road trip. For all we know, we might see certain Kings players suit up for L.A. for the last time (or last times) before possibly being moved. That thought likely also cross the minds of various low and mid-level Predators, in the event that Nashville has to give up parts in a splashy move.
Fans can also witness the slightly under-the-radar dominance of the Predators’ top line, although it’s possible that Viktor Arvidsson might not be able to suit up alongside Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen on Thursday.
[WATCH LIVE – COVERAGE BEGINS AT 7 P.M. ET – NBCSN]
What: Los Angeles Kings at Nashville Predators
Where: T-Mobile Arena
When: Thursday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. ET
TV: NBCSN
Live stream: You can watch the Kings-Predators stream on NBC Sports’ live stream page and the NBC Sports app.
PROJECTED LINEUPS
KINGS
Alex Iafallo -- Anze Kopitar -- Dustin Brown
Brendan Leipsic -- Jeff Carter -- Tyler Toffoli
Trevor Lewis -- Adrian Kempe -- Ilya Kovalchuk
Kyle Clifford -- Michael Amadio -- Austin Wagner
Derek Forbort -- Drew Doughty
Oscar Fantenberg -- Paul LaDue
Dion Phaneuf -- Matt Roy
Starting goalie: Jonathan Quick
PREDATORS
Filip Forsberg -- Ryan Johansen -- Kevin Fiala
Colton Sissons -- Kyle Turris -- Calle Jarnkrok
Brian Boyle -- Nick Bonino -- Ryan Hartman
Cody McLeod -- Frederick Gaudreau -- Rocco Grimaldi
Roman Josi -- Ryan Ellis
Mattias Ekholm -- P.K. Subban
Dan Hamhuis -- Yannick Weber
Starting goalie: Pekka Rinne
Alex Faust (play-by-play) and Brian Boucher (‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst) will have the call from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Pre-game coverage starts at 7 p.m. ET with NHL Live, hosted by Kathryn Tappen with Jeremy Roenick and Keith Jones.
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James O’Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.