Predators scratch Mike Ribeiro in Game 3 against Sharks

Mike-Ribeiro;-Nashville-Predators;-David-Poile

Nashville Predators centre Mike Ribeiro. (Mark Zaleski/AP)

Mike Ribeiro had 43 assists and 62 points in 81 games for the Nashville Predators this season, but he’s struggled so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with just one point.

Now, it looks as though he’ll be scratched from the lineup for Game 3.

The Predators trail their second round series against the San Jose Sharks 2-0, but host their first game in Nashville Tuesday night. It looks like they’ll do it without their fifth-highest regular season scorer, who has been a ghost in the playoffs.

Ribeiro played 16:53 and 15:06 in Games 1 and 2, respectively and saw his ice time steadily decline through Nashville’s first round series against Anaheim.

Taking Ribeiro’s place in the lineup will be Pontus Aberg, a 22-year-old who will be making his NHL debut. Aberg scored 25 goals and 40 points in 74 games with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals this season. He was drafted in the second round (37th overall) in 2012.

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