Dallas Stars (33-14-6, first in the Central Division) vs. Nashville Predators (27-24-2, fifth in the Central Division)

Nashville, Tennessee; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Nashville Predators take on the Central Division-leading Dallas Stars.

Nashville has gone 27-24-2 overall with a 10-5-0 record against the Central Division. The Predators are 14-9-0 in games they have fewer penalties than their opponent.

Dallas has a 33-14-6 record overall and an 11-4-2 record in Central Division play. The Stars have a +34 scoring differential, with 194 total goals scored and 160 conceded.

The matchup Thursday is the fourth time these teams square off this season. The Predators won 6-3 in the last matchup.

TOP PERFORMERS: Filip Forsberg has 25 goals and 28 assists for the Predators. Roman Josi has three goals and 10 assists over the past 10 games.

Jason Robertson has 17 goals and 37 assists for the Stars. Matt Duchene has five goals and six assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Predators: 3-6-1, averaging 2.2 goals, 4.1 assists, 3.8 penalties and 8.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game.

Stars: 7-2-1, averaging 3.6 goals, 6.3 assists, 2.6 penalties and 5.2 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game.

INJURIES: Predators: None listed.

Stars: Evgenii Dadonov: out (lower body).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.