Flyers-Predators Preview: Giroux Reaches 1,000

A memorable night is in store at Wells Fargo Center. In a season that hasn't featured many bright spots and faces even more uncertainty in the coming days, the Flyers will take the ice on Thursday for a historical moment to honor one of their own.

Flyers captain Claude Giroux will suit up in his 1,000th NHL game, all with the Flyers, as they take on the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. With the trade deadline looming, now just four days away, it could very well be the final time Giroux wears the Flyers uniform.

There will be a pre-game ceremony to honor Giroux's achievement at 7 p.m. following by puck drop at approximately 7:16 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers	GP	G	A	P	Nashville Predators	GP	G	A	P
Cam Atkinson	59	22	23	45	Roman Josi	58	17	52	69
Claude Giroux	56	18	24	42	Matt Duchene	56	31	29	60
Travis Konecny	57	10	25	35	Filip Forsberg	47	31	24	55
Scott Laughton	54	11	17	28	Ryan Johansen	57	15	29	44
James van Riemsdyk	59	13	10	23	Mikael Granlund	58	9	35	44

Claude Giroux reaches a milestone with his 1,000th NHL game. It could be the last time the Flyers captain takes the ice with the Orange and Black, so it's a night meant to celebrate his long career in Philadelphia. Look for Giroux to potentially rise to the occasion and leave one final lasting memory.

Roman Josi has been outstanding lately. In his last two games alone, Josi has two goals and five assists for seven points. He's currently on a seven-game points streak, scoring three goals and 13 assists in that time.

Carter Hart gets the start in goal on Thursday. Hart made 31 saves on 35 shots in an overtime loss to Montreal on Sunday in his last start.

Juuse Saros gets the start for Nashville. Saros was excellent against Pittsburgh on Tuesday, making 35 saves on 36 shots in a win. In his last five starts, Saros has four wins, allowing one goal or fewer in each.

Projected Lineups

Flyers Scratches: Ryan Ellis (injury), Nate Thompson (injury), Scott Laughton (injury), Kevin Connauton (healthy), Nick Seeler (healthy), Gerry Mayhew (healthy)

Predators Scratches: Mark Borowiecki (injury), Matt Benning (injury), Matt Luff (healthy)

Lineup Notes

Flyers: Max Willman comes back into the lineup for Gerry Mayhew. There are no other changes.
Predators: The Predators are making no lineup changes from their last game on Tuesday.

Game Notes

Power Play: Flyers (30th), Predators (9th)
Penalty Kill: Flyers (26th), Predators (14th)
Recent History vs. Predators
- Jan. 1, 2019 - Predators 4, Flyers 0 (at NSH)
- Dec. 20, 2018 - Flyers 2, Predators 1 (at PHI)
Flyers Leaders vs. Predators
- Claude Giroux - 17 GP, 7 G, 8 A, 15 P
- Kevin Hayes - 12 GP, 4 G, 13 A, 17 P
- James van Riemsdyk - 13 GP, 7 G, 3 A, 10 P
- Carter Hart - 1 GP, 1-0-0, 1.00 GAA, .969 SV%
Milestone Watch
- Claude Giroux will play in his 1,000th NHL game tonight.

Where to Watch
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: Flyers Broadcast Network

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN and Flyers editor for SportsTalkPhilly.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.