Matt Irwin isn't the Nashville Predators head coach, nor is he a member of the training staff, but the defenseman anticipates teammate Ryan Ellis playing in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final.

"We fully expect Ryan to play," Irwin told reporters after the Predators' game-day skate Sunday, according to The Tennessean's Adam Vingan.

Ellis skated on his own before Nashville's optional session and did not join his teammates for the rest of the practice.

The blue-liner couldn't put much power on his shot while skating alone, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

Ellis left Game 5 with an injury, his absence in Game 6 would obviously have a significant impact on the Predators' defense corps.

He ranks fourth on the club in average ice time in these playoffs and has been playing critical minutes alongside Roman Josi.

Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.