The Nashville Predators held an optional skate today, with several key players staying off the ice for a day of rest. Following the skate head coach Barry Trotz said it was a day for his players to rest and reset, but from here on out “it’s all business” for the Preds moving forward.

“Tomorrow (at practice) we’re going hard, and we’re going hard the rest of the way,” said Trotz, indicating that the team’s nose will be firmly to the grindstone for the remainder of the season.

The club did practice shootouts today as promised after recent performances prompted some practice. Also, Paul Gaustad finally got a chance to get in a skate with his teammates and will likely be ready to go in Florida this weekend.

While today did allow players a chance to rest, one who tried to give it a go was Kevin Klein. But after a few minutes on the ice, Klein left the sheet and Trotz later said he had suffered a setback in regards to his upper body injury and would not play Saturday. In the meantime, Ryan Ellis would be ready to go if called upon.