Golden Knights Start Akira Schmid vs. Predators in New Year’s Eve Matinee

Jack Eichel is expected to rejoin the lineup after a six-game absence.

Overview

Vegas hosts Nashville at T-Mobile Arena to close a four-game homestand, with the Golden Knights at 17-9-11 and the Predators at 17-17-4.
Coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed Schmid in goal after Carter Hart was pulled in Monday’s 5-2 loss to Minnesota, marking Schmid’s first career start against Nashville.
Juuse Saros starts for the Predators and carries a 5-5-1 record with a .918 save percentage in 11 career games versus Vegas.
Recent form tilts slightly toward Nashville after a 4-3 win over Utah featuring two third-period goals by Steven Stamkos, while Vegas has one win in its past six.
Special teams set the matchup context with Vegas at 24.8% on the power play and 82.0% on the penalty kill versus Nashville at 18.8% and 81.8%, respectively.