• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Erat, Predators look to end a four-game skid

Dec 19, 2007 - 1:22 PM Nashville (14-15-2) at Chicago (15-15-2) 8:30 pm EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) - Martin Erat will try to help the Nashville Predators snap a four-game losing streak when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

After missing the previous two games with a strained neck, Erat returned the lineup Tuesday and recorded an assist as the Predators squandered a two-goal, third-period lead in a 3-2 setback to the Minnesota Wild.

Erat leads the club with 17 assists and 26 points on the season. The Czech right wing, however, has just a tally and an assist in six games this month.

Nashville has not lost to Chicago since October 12, going 3-0-2 over that stretch. The Predators have defeated their Central Division rival in both meetings this season.

The Blackhawks also have struggled recently, posting a 1-6-0 record during the month of December. They are coming off back-to-back 3-1 setbacks to the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Chicago has been led this season by a pair of rookies - Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have combined for 20 goals and 56 points. Each player will likely be a top candidate for the Calder Trophy by the end of the season.