Mike Fisher returns for Predators, but Shea Weber remains out

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Predators forward Mike Fisher is playing against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series Thursday after missing the previous two games with a lower-body injury.

Fisher participated in the team's morning skate Thursday but wouldn't speculate at that time whether he would play. Predators coach Peter Laviolette also had no injury updates on his team after the morning skate. Fisher took part in warm-ups prior to Game 5, skated with Colin Wilson and Craig Smith in the team's line rushes, and was included in the official game lineup.

Fisher hadn't played since suffering the undisclosed lower-body injury in Game 1. He played 5:32 in Game 1, and had 19 goals and 20 assists in 59 regular-season games.

Predators defenseman Shea Weber will miss a third consecutive game Thursday. He has been out since suffering a lower-body injury in Game 2.

The Predators trail the Blackhawks 3-1 in the series.