Shea Weber, James Neal nearing returns from injury

Predators defenseman Shea Weber and forward James Neal each fully practiced Friday and appear to be nearing returns from injury.

Weber has missed Nashville's past three games with a lower-body injury, while Neal has sat out of the past nine games with an upper-body injury. Forward Matt Cullen, out since March 21 with a lower-body injury, also participated for the second consecutive day.

Earlier this week, Predators general manager David Poile said that he was hopeful Weber and Neal could return as soon as Saturday against the Dallas Stars.

Coach Peter Laviolette addressed reporters immediately after practice, so he did not have any official confirmation regarding each player's status.

"I think its certainly a positive sign that (Weber, Neal and Cullen) made it through two hard days of practice, speciality teams, battle drills, skating," Laviolette said. "All that I think lends itself to be a real positive sign."

When later answering a question about Neal potentially returning to Nashville's first line, though, Laviolette offered more clarity.

"Once we get through (meeting with trainers) today, I'll have a better handle on tomorrow and finalize some things," he said. "But you see him at practice today, that should give you a good indication. "

Reach Adam Vingan at 615-259-8023 and on Twitter @AdamVingan.