Predators getting healthier as playoffs approach

The Predators are getting healthier as the playoffs approach.

Preds general manager David Poile said Tuesday he hopes that forward James Neal (upper body) and defenseman Shea Weber (lower body) both have a chance to play as early as Saturday against Dallas, and that both "absolutely" should be ready for the playoffs.

Neal, who's missed the past seven games, participated in Tuesday's morning skate, as did forward Eric Nystrom (lower body), who's missed the past 12 games, and Matt Cullen (lower body), who's missed the past four games. Weber, who's missed the past two games, did not skate on Tuesday.

"Anytime you get guys back on the ice, it's probably the start of the road back," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. "It's the start of progress that they're making off the ice, which gets them back on the ice."

Neal, an alternate captain, has 22 goals – the second-highest on the club behind Filip Forsberg (23). Weber has 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) in 75 games. Cullen has been a versatile player for the Preds, and Nystrom adds leadership and a physical presence.

"They're a big part of our team," Laviolette said. "If we had six more James Neals in the minors, they'd be up here right now. But we don't.

"We want good health for our players. We want Shea back in the lineup, we want to get Neal out there. You miss a guy like Nystrom and his leadership and what he brings in the locker room. Matt Cullen is an experienced player. So to get the guys back and on the ice I think is a real positive."

Staff writer Adam Vingan contributed to this story.