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Panthers host Predators seeking rebound effort

Mar 3, 2012 - 3:14 PM (Sports Network) - The Florida Panthers hope to put an awful performance in an important game behind them tonight, as they host the Nashville Predators for an interconference clash at BankAtlantic Center.

The Panthers are currently running first in a close race for the Southeast Division title, but they came up empty in a key battle for the division crown on Thursday, as Winnipeg notched a 7-0 home victory over Florida. The victory pulled the Jets within two points of the Panthers for first place, with Washington three points off the pace for the top spot.

Evander Kane sparked Winnipeg's blowout win by recording two goals and two assists and Ondrej Pavelec frustrated the Panthers by stopping all 33 shots sent his way.

Meanwhile, Jose Theodore was shelled for four goals on 24 shots before he was pulled in the third period for Scott Clemmensen, who allowed three goals on eight shots the rest of the way.

The lopsided loss ended Florida's three-game winning streak and dropped the Panthers to 3-4-1 over their last eight contests. Needless to say, Florida head coach Kevin Dineen was not happy with the effort on Thursday night.

"We can't play that kind of hockey in October and you certainly can't play it in March," said Dineen. "It's definitely a man's game this time of year and we did not look prepared. We didn't respond to pressure well early and that is the difference in the hockey game."

The Panthers have played their last two games without leading scorer Kris Versteeg, who is expected to sit out tonight's contest as well.

Nashville will aim to get back in the win column tonight after losing in regulation for the first time in six games their last time on the ice. The Predators, who are seeded fifth in the Western Conference, had a 4-0-1 record in the five tests leading up to Tuesday's 4-3 setback to the Hurricanes at the RBC Center.

Gabriel Bourque had a goal and an assist for Nashville. Seldom-used backup Anders Lindback stopped 29 shots in the loss, his sixth straight. It was only Lindback's second appearance since January 17 and Pekka Rinne will resume starting duties tonight.

The Predators expect to have Paul Gaustad in the lineup tonight for the first time since he was acquired Monday in a trade with Buffalo. The forward was scratched from Tuesday's game due to an upper-body injury, but is ready to make his debut for Nashville this evening. The Preds acquired Gaustad and a fourth-round draft pick from the Sabres in exchange for a first-round selection.

Tonight's tilt marks the only scheduled meeting between the Panthers and Predators this season. Florida posted a 3-2 home win over the Preds on Jan. 13 of last season to end a three-game slide in this series. The Panthers have taken three of their last four home tests against Nashville.

The Predators are 16-13-2 as the road team this year and Florida is 15-8-8 at home.