PREVIEW: Red Wings welcome Predators for Thanksgiving Eve clash on Wednesday

Cam Talbot took the starter’s crease in Wednesday’s morning skate, showing the veteran netminder is set to make his 14th start of the campaign. He currently has a record of 11-9-3 with a 2.79 goals-against average and .893 save percentage.

From his perspective, MacLellan said Talbot, who turned 38 last July, has earned more than 500 career starts in the NHL because of his work ethic.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be around him with three different teams — basically a decade or more,” McClellan said. “I think Talbs is a lot stronger between the ears now. His back is flowing. He’s always been a very fit guy, but he also takes good care of himself. His practice habits – he works hard.”

The Predators, who have the fewest overall points in the NHL so far this season, lost their third consecutive game with an 8-3 setback to the Florida Panthers at Bridgestone Arena on Monday. Nashville led offensively with Filip Forsberg’s 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) and Ryan O’Reilly’s 13 points (six goals, seven assists). In 18 appearances, goaltender Juuse Saros has a 3.08 GAA and .889 SV%.

“I’m not too worried about what they have or don’t have,” McClellan said of the way the Predators’ lineup has played this season. “We have to step up our guys and make sure they are contributing to the team.”