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Predators' Sullivan eyes return against Blackhawks

Jan 10, 2009 - 11:44 AM Chicago (22-9-7) at Nashville (18-19-3), 8:30 p.m. EST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The Nashville Predators could receive a surprising boost while trying to build off a victory.

Right wing Steve Sullivan, who has not played since February 22, 2007, may return from injury and skate for the Predators on Saturday when they take on the Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a home-and-home series.

The Predators, who will try to notch their first winning streak in over a month, hope Sullivan - a two-time 30-goal scorer - can serve as a much-needed reinforcement for their struggling offense.

Prior to its 5-3 triumph over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, Nashville had scored seven total goals during a five-game slide.

Sullivan, a former Blackhawk, has 228 goals and 577 points in 723 career games, but has been sidelined for the Predators' last 153 contests due to a troublesome back, which required two disc operations.

Martin Erat, who has 95 career tallies, needs one more to tie Scott Walker for the franchise record for career goals with the Predators.

Chicago had its two-game winning streak end with Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. The Blackhawks have already lost more games in January (2-2-0) than in all of December (10-1-1).

Against Colorado, All-Star Patrick Kane returned after missing two games with a right ankle sprain and recorded an assist. The 20-year-old sophomore sensation has five goals and 15 points in his last 15 contests.