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Predators try for seventh straight win against Blues

Feb 16, 2007 - 2:58 PM Nashville (39-16-3) at St. Louis (23-26-9) 8:00 pm EST

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- The Nashville Predators hope to continue their dominance of the St. Louis Blues when the Central Division rivals meet on Friday.

The Predators have won all six meetings, but the drama here revolves around the acquisition of Peter Forsberg. Nashville obtained the star center from the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday for a combination of young players and draft picks.

The Flyers received right wing Scottie Upshall, defensive prospect Ryan Parent and first- and third-round selections in the upcoming draft in June from the Predators, who lead the Western Conference with 81 points.

"Peter Forsberg is one of the NHL's most complete players and the ultimate competitor - a consistent winner who has, year in and year out, been a difference-maker in the Stanley Cup Playoffs," Nashville general manager David Poile said. "He strengthens our club up the middle and will provide another battle-tested, veteran voice to our dressing room.

A healthy scratch from Philadelphia's lineup for Thursday's home game against Toronto, the 33-year-old Forsberg has recorded 11 goals and 29 assists in 40 games this season. The five-time All-Star, who is in the final year of a two-year, $11.5 million contract, has missed 16 games with a number of injuries, including groin, foot and back ailments.

Even though the Predators have won all six meetings from Blues, the combined score is just 20-14. Nashville has defeated St. Louis twice in shootouts and once in overtime.

Paul Kariya leads the Predators with 42 assists and 59 points, but has just two assists in his last six games. The center has three goals and five assists against the Blues.

Goaltender Tomas Vokoun had 22 saves in a 5-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks last Wednesday. Vokoun has two shutouts in his last four games, including 36 saves in a 5-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks on February 3.

The Blues are 3-3-1 in their last seven and try to rebound from a 6-5 loss to the Sharks on Tuesday.

Bill Guerin recorded a hat trick and also scored in a 4-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday. The right wing has three goals and two assists against the Predators this season.

Left wing Keith Tkachuk had an assist against the Blue Jackets, and has nine points in his last nine games. Tkachuk has 13 goals and 34 points in 31 career games against Nashville.